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Youth Voice Council

The Youth Voice Council (YVC) is one of our patient carer councils at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB).

We want young people to have the chance to help us develop better standards for teenage and young adult patients.

The YVC exists to improve the care of 16- to 24-year-old patients at UHB’s hospitals and facilities, including:

  • Birmingham Chest Clinic
  • Good Hope Hospital
  • Heartlands Hospital
  • Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham
  • Solihull Hospital

I wanted to join so I could contribute and make a difference to the lives of young patients in the Trust.

Simon, YVC member

I joined so I could make a real difference to young people of all backgrounds in the hospital by sharing my ideas and opinions.

Sophie, YVC member

The YVC allows young people to come together, to talk about current goings on in the NHS and world overall.

Cameron, YVC member

Who can join the YVC?

You need to be aged 16 to 24 to join, and you will need to register as a volunteer at UHB. However, you don’t need to have been a patient at the Trust to join.

You are welcome to attend an online meeting to see what goes on before joining.

What does membership involve?

Members attend YVC meetings, and we plan to run these monthly from different sites. You may be asked to read documents or complete certain tasks between meetings.

Members of staff also attend the meetings to advise YVC members about some of the work taking place at the Trust.

Previously, YVC members had the opportunity to meet young patients on the wards, gain their feedback and to attend fact-finding events in the hospital. This included working with members of the public.

YVC members may also be consulted on projects and changes in the hospitals.

YVC members receive the same training as UHB staff, including infection control and protecting patient data.

What will I get out of it?

You will:

  • have the opportunity to make a difference to issues that can affect young patients at our hospitals
  • learn new skills in public speaking, which can help to build your confidence levels
  • have the chance to meet new people and to work with others
  • have the opportunity to chair a YPC meeting, which can help to develop organisational and communication skills. These skills will be useful in employment and can be added to your CV
  • begin to learn how healthcare systems work and understand the wide range of jobs and skills that it takes to run a large healthcare organisation

Information: Interested in joining the YVC?

If you are interested in joining the YVC, please contact Lorraine Bateman.

Rebecca will let you know when the next meeting is and will help you start the process of registering as a volunteer.

See also

Last reviewed: 19 August 2024