Youth Involvement

'Check it out' Isle of Wight

‘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:

• Support health services
• Enable quick and easy expert health advice for YP
• Be available at times that suit YP
• Provide health advice when no appointment is necessary
• Enable YP to remain anonymous
• Ensure confidentiality
• Be approachable for any subject
• Signposting
• Help reach disadvantaged YP who may not otherwise have access to a local service
• Promote patient involvement
• Reach YP who may be too afraid to access a service in person.

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