This page is a printable version of: https://www.iow.nhs.uk/getting-involved/youth-involvement/youth-involvement.htm
Date: 20 January 2021
‘Checkitout-IOW’ is a forum of volunteers aged between 11-19 years which enables young islanders’ views to be incorporated into the ‘You’re Welcome’ initiative.
Young People (YP) are recruited via local mainstream schools on a voluntary basis, to help develop and carry out the ‘You’re Welcome’ Accreditation programme to ensure that all health services on the IOW reach accreditation by 2020, in line with the Department of Health targets.
This is done in two ways:
Mystery Shopping
This is where YP visit or telephone the service for advice or information as if they are a ‘real service user’. This enables them to evaluate the service from a patient’s point of view.
Known Shopping
This is where the YP makes an appointment that is both convenient for them and the Health Service Manager and ask specific questions about the service they provide for YP.
Website and Live Chat
YP are also recruited to act in an advisory capacity to Commissioners on service planning and development for all young people’s health services. As a result, www.checkitout-iw.org was created by young people, for young people which signposts health services, offers local advice and includes an online Live Chat Health Advice Service.
YP suggested the provision of an online 1-2-1 ‘Live Chat’ health advice service where all IOW YP can get instant and easy expert health advice without having to visit a health service.
The website and live chat service aims to:
New Developments in 2013
Our latest development is that of an APP which further provides young people with the location of health services on the island as well as access to the live chat service.
To get involved please contact:
Rachael Hayes - You’re Welcome Strategic Lead rachel.hayes@iow.nhs.uk
Michelle Jones - You’re Welcome Lead michelle.jones@iow.nhs.uk
Find out what is happening in our services here.
Click here to find out how you can feedback to us about your experiences, along with how to raise any concerns, complaints or questions.