Public Engagement Network
PEN Children and Young People's Advisory Group
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Our group for 12 - 25 year olds works with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to help us understand how children and young people experience healthcare in England.
Who can get involved in the PEN Children and Young People’s Advisory Group?
Are you between 12 and 25 years of age?
Have you ever been to the doctor, dentist, hospital or used other healthcare services?
Do you want to help make those services better for children and young people?
If yes then join us by submitting our consent form online here (If you are under 16, this will need to be completed by a parent/guardian).
Who we are
Our Children and Young People's Advisory Group is part of Choice Support's Public Engagement Network (PEN), which works to collect the voices of people who use health and adult social care services so that we can share feedback with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The CQC is an independent regulator, similar to OFSTED, and its role is to inspect England's health and adult social care services. You can see a list of services that the CQC regulates here.
The Children and Young People's Advisory Group is run by Ellen (pictured), a Community Engagement Officer on the Choice Support PEN team.
Ellen has a background in teaching and working on wellness programs. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, doing yoga, surfing, snowboarding and hiking. Camping trips and dinners with family and friends are her favourite things to do.
Why join?
By getting involved, you can:
- Have your say on health services. Speak directly to the CQC about what's important to children and young people when it comes to their care.
- Help influence the inspection of health services used by children and young people.
- Gain skills and experience of being part of the group. We also offer support in adding this to your CV.
- Receive high street shopping vouchers as a thank you for your participation when you join our meetings.
- Make a difference! By joining, you will help support improvements in children and young peoples' experiences of care.
What would getting involved look like?
The group meets every couple of months at online meetings via Zoom.
Group meetings are split into two timeslots, the first for 12 to 15 year olds, followed by a separate meeting for those aged 16 to 25.
You will meet other children and young people in your age bracket and have the opportunity to speak to staff members from the CQC.
We will ask to hear about your experiences of using healthcare services, whether these were good or not so good.
The group will also help the CQC to develop a new strategy around working with and supporting children and young people.
Whatever is discussed in this group is confidential and you do not have to share anything you do not wish to.
How do I join?
Please either:
- submit a consent form online here
- or complete and return our downloadable consent form to us by email at publicengagementnetwork@choicesupport.org.uk
If you are under 16, this will need to be completed by a parent/guardian.
You will then be sent an email with the joining instructions and further information about the introductory session.
Spread the word!
If you know anyone who may be interested in joining us, please share our poster.
How We Work
Learn more about how you can engage with CQC, network with other organisations and receive support from our team
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