Communications takeover at latest youth forum

As part of the Trust’s engagement work across the region, SWB hosts a youth forum every 4-6 weeks to engage with the young people in the local community. However, the forum to close out 2022 had a slight twist in the form of a communications takeover!

Despite icy conditions, the forum was well attended with a diverse mix of new and existing members present from students aged 14 all the way up to 20.

To acclimatise the new members at the event, the forum began with a little ice breaker so the young people could become more comfortable with each another. They were then asked about what they felt the role and the purpose of the youth forum is.

Jayne Salter-Scott, Head of Public and Community Engagement believes the event went better than expected despite the challenging circumstances.

She said: “Due to the event being so close to Christmas and the horrendous weather, we were expecting a low turnout. However, the young people proved me wrong: the event was well attended and all the young people who came along really added value to the session.

“I always remind anyone who attends that the forum is a two-way relationship – we get their feedback and thoughts about services within the hospital and the community and then we in return support them, especially if they are interested in a career in a health care setting in the future.”

As part of the communications takeover, the young people were asked to complete an array of tasks including words they associate with the Trust currently, their thoughts on our current website and how can it be improved, as well as coming up with a potential future strapline or slogan for the organisation as it looks to grow in 2024 with the opening of Midland Metropolitan University Hospital.

Anil Patel, Digital Media Officer was part of the communications team who facilitated the session and was very impressed with all the young people and their positive contribution.

He said: “Some of the feedback from the forum was excellent and the team will certainly keep much of it in mind when looking at our communications strategy in the future.”

Manisha Chahal, External Communications Officer echoes these thoughts and said: “It’s always great to hear the views of others especially those outside of the organisation. Much of their feedback and criticisms will prove invaluable in helping us to improve what we do within the communications team and SWB as a whole.”

She added: “I must say a huge thank you to all the people who attended the session, and I can only hope it was as useful to them as it was to us.”

Are you interested in joining or finding out more about the youth forum? The next session will be taking at the Sandwell Education Centre, 6pm – 8pm on Tuesday 31 January, Tuesday 28 February and Tuesday 28 March. For further information or to get involved, please call please call 0121 507 2671 or email swbh. engagement@nhs.net.