Hampshire Youthwatch Volunteer!

I am writing to introduce Youthwatch, an exciting way for students aged 14-17
to get involved with Healthwatch Hampshire.

Healthwatch Hampshire is your local health and care champion and exists to amplify people’s voices about their experiences of health and social care services. We want to make people’s voices heard and take this back to the key decision makers to see changes happen.

Youthwatch is a part of Healthwatch Hampshire and is for young people aged 14-17 who want to volunteer and make a difference in their community. After the success of last year’s Youthwatch work, we are now recruiting a new cohort for 2026-27. We want young people to decide and plan a project around a topic that matters to them and their peers. Last year, our Youthwatch team delivered two projects, which you can find out more about below:
Vaping: Young people take action on vaping
Friend in Need: Friend in Need project published

YouthWatch will be led by our Engagement Officer, Sayda De Maurier, along with other members of the team. All staff involved with Youthwatch have up to date enhanced DBS checks and have completed training in Safeguarding and Mental Health to support the volunteers as much as possible. Youthwatch volunteers will need to provide parent/carer consent to volunteer with us.

Timeframe:
May: We will be inducting our Youthwatch volunteers in May- this will involve an online meeting with a member of the team, some online training, and a group video call with other volunteers.
June: During this month, Youthwatch volunteers will plan their project together, writing project plans, creating surveys, and discussing who does what.
July onwards: We will plan our work around volunteers' availability when discussing when to deliver the work. The project/s needs to be completed by 31 March 2027.

If you would like to discuss further how your students can be involved, please do not hesitate to get in contact at: enquiries@healthwatchhampshire.co.uk .

Role Description
Speaking up for young people in Hampshire
Youthwatch Hampshire is a network of volunteers aged between 14 and 17 who are passionate about young people’s rights, and keen to make a difference in health and social care.

What our volunteers do:

Listen to young people and find out what health and care issues are important to them.
Investigate what young people think of the health and care services they use. E.g. doctors, dentists and social workers.

Raise awareness of health and care issues that affect young people.Make recommendations on
how to improve services. Talk to the people in charge of local NHS and Council Services to help bring about changes.

As a volunteer you will plan ways of reaching out to young people to gather their
experiences and understand what is important to them.
This can include:
• Designing surveys and speaking to young people directly in ‘focus groups’
• Research, analysis and report writing
• Organising events and workshops
• Collaborating with schools and other young people’s groups
• Using different ways of reaching out and getting your message out there,
such as social media campaigns and filming
• Representing Youthwatch Hampshire at meetings with the people who run
local services (NHS and Local Council).
• Presenting your project findings in different and exciting ways
• Make a difference and improve local services by making recommendations
to the people who design and run services

Time commitment
This is a flexible role and time commitment will be agreed with you and the other Youthwatch Volunteers. You will need to attend an online induction session before you start volunteering.

Benefits of volunteering
Youthwatch Hampshire is a group of young people who are passionate about inspiring change. They work as a team to develop their own projects, based on what is important to them and other young people across Hampshire.

By volunteering with us, you’ll have the chance to:
- Learn new skills through ongoing training
- Get support with regular check-ins from our team
- Boost your CV and gain experience that looks great for future jobs or college
- Work as part of a team and build confidence
- Develop leadership skills
- Understand more about health and social care
- Choose an area you enjoy- this could be:
o Research and writing
o Helping at events
o Media and communications
You’ll work closely with Healthwatch staff who will guide you so you can grow your skills in the area you’re most interested in.

What are we looking for in our volunteers?
You don’t have to have any previous experience, just be passionate about making health services better for local young people. There are some personal qualities which we look for in our volunteers. When working as a Youthwatch Volunteer you need to be:
• Reliable
• Open minded and tactful
• Be able to work within the boundaries of your role
• Have good communication skills
• Be able to work as part of a team
Healthwatch’s mission is to represent our community, and we encourage volunteers from all backgrounds, faiths and communities, of all sexual orientations, gender identities and disabilities to come and volunteer with us!
If you feel you need any adjustment or support in ordered to volunteer, please talk to our Volunteer lead and we will be happy to help you.

How do I become a Youthwatch Hampshire Volunteer?
You can sign up here: Youthwatch Registration
For more information email us at enquiries@healthwatchhampshire.co.uk or call
01962 44026