YPAG at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust

What is YPAG at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital?

YPAG is a youth engagement and advocacy group that gives young people a platform to influence healthcare services, ensuring that they are youth-friendly and inclusive. Members of YPAG meet twice a month, both online and in person at the Children’s Hospital, to discuss ongoing projects, engage in service improvement, and collaborate with special guests and experts. They also join forces quarterly with Think4Brum, another advocacy group focused on mental health services, to tackle shared challenges and drive positive change.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Young Person’s Advisory Group (@bwc_youth_voice)

Achievements and Impact

YPAG’s impact has been widely recognized. The group won a Helpforce Award for Inclusion and Diversity in Volunteering and a BWC Spirit Award for Outstanding Support Team in 2021, showcasing just how essential their contributions are. But it’s not just about awards—YPAG members have had a hand in:

• Co-designing the Bedspace project signage
• Influencing mental health research in collaboration with the University of Birmingham
• Developing staff training packages to improve healthcare professionals’ engagement with young people
• Participating in staff recruitment, even sitting on interview panels
• Organizing service improvement events, such as The Big Discussion
• Hosting Black and LGBTQ+ Table Talks to address issues of inclusion and diversity
• Running the innovative #TeenTalk program, where young people reverse roles with health professionals to build empathy and improve communication in healthcare.

What Makes YPAG Special?

One of the key features that makes YPAG stand out is its commitment to fostering leadership among its members. Whether you’re interested in communications, arts, research, or diversity, YPAG offers a variety of lead roles where young people can pursue their passions and develop new skills. These roles change annually, ensuring that every member has the opportunity to take on leadership positions and contribute in a way that aligns with their interests.

The group’s work doesn’t stop at healthcare. During the pandemic, YPAG created a Self-Isolation Survival Guide, including a version for people with learning disabilities, packed with tips on staying active, maintaining mental health, and managing social isolation. They’ve also developed a series of themed activity packs, from Zoo Week to Sports Week, aimed at keeping young people engaged and mentally stimulated during challenging times.

#TeenTalk: A Unique Approach to Healthcare Communication

One of YPAG’s most celebrated initiatives is #TeenTalk, a role-reversal program where young people take on the role of healthcare professionals, while doctors and nurses play the patients. This award-winning project, developed in collaboration with Birmingham Children’s Hospital, covers sensitive topics like self-harm, exploitation, and medically unexplained symptoms. The goal? To give healthcare professionals a new perspective on communication, making it more empathetic and effective.

The results speak for themselves—96% of healthcare professionals who participated said the session was relevant to their clinical practice, and 82% said it would change how they communicate with adolescents. YPAG members are at the heart of this program, shaping its content and delivery, and their contributions are making a tangible difference in patient care.

Joining YPAG: Get Involved and Make a Difference

If you’re between the ages of 11-19 and live in the West Midlands, YPAG offers a chance to be part of something truly impactful. As a member, you’ll contribute to real healthcare projects, develop new skills, and have your voice heard by those in positions of influence at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. You don’t have to make every meeting, but committing 2-4 hours a week can make all the difference.

For more information or to join, you can apply via their online form or reach out through their social media platforms—Twitter (@BWCYouthVoice) and Instagram (@BWC_Youth_Voice).

A Platform for Change

YPAG isn’t just a group—it’s a movement. It empowers young people to take control of their healthcare experience, shape policies, and create a more inclusive and responsive healthcare system. Whether it’s co-designing service improvements, supporting mental health research, or sitting on interview panels for new staff, YPAG members are at the forefront of driving change.

As one member put it, “YPAG has given me the opportunity to try different and new things, it is a well-rounded group that helps you grow as a person.” Joining YPAG isn’t just about giving back—it’s about building a brighter future for healthcare, one young voice at a time.