If we want to improve the health and wellbeing outcomes for youngpeople in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, we need to hear their experiences

With statistics showing that by year 6, 1 in 4 children will be obese and over half of young people will report feelings of stress or anxiety on at least some occasion, we need to understand more about the experiences of young people if we are to improve their health and wellbeing outcomes.

Good health for young people is key to their wellbeing and forms the basis of good health in later life. There are a number of critical reasons for understanding the experiences of young people:

• The first signs of many serious long-term conditions emerge between the ages of 10 and 25, including three quarters of lifetime mental health disorders.
• Adolescence is a time when risk taking behaviours begin and life-long health behaviours are set in place.
• Health inequalities are widespread by the time of transition to adulthood, and some are widening.
• Effects of poor healthcare in adolescence can last a lifetime.

The local NHS would like to hear the experiences of the 222,000 young people aged 11 -25 years old living in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, as it is there chance to shape health care. We also want to hear from:

• Families of people who are 11 – 25-years old
• NHS and healthcare staff providing services to people who are 11-25 years old

The insights will be used to improve services and ultimately enhance the health and wellbeing of young people.