#iwill – NHS Youth Forum
838. Susannah Williams
Susannah Williams, aged 17, from Frome, has established an ‘NHS Youth Forum’ at her local hospital to increase participation among young people with their health care services.
Susannah also founded the ‘Frome Youth Patient Participation Group’ at her local medical practice to allow more young people in her community to learn about health issues. Her work with the local practice has since been picked up as a blueprint for NHS England as an example of how such youth groups should be established. She has also contributed to talks on a national level, including co-chairing a meeting at the NHS Expo 2017 in September to discuss how services can be made more effective for children. Susannah is an ambassador for the #iwill campaign.
In a personal letter to Susannah, Prime Minister Theresa May:
“By establishing an ‘NHS Youth Forum’ at your local hospital and co-chairing workshops at ‘NHS Expo’ events you have given a critical voice to young people in your community and are providing them with vital opportunities to get involved with the health issues that affect them. The regular ‘Patient Participation Groups’ you have created are an inspiring example of social action and I wish you every success sharing this experience in your role as an #iwill ambassador.”
Susannah said:
“I feel incredibly honoured to receive this award! I’ve loved every minute of giving back, raising awareness and supporting other people to gain confidence through social action and getting involved in a huge variety of projects. This award confirms to me that anything is possible, no matter who you are or how old you are, and has inspired me to keep taking every opportunity to contribute locally, nationally and globally to our society.”