Working in child health has provided many examples of impactful interventions on some of the most vulnerable and marginalised in our society, babies, children and young people. Just by being young, children have less rights than adults.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) aims to address this inequality and it was a commitment to the principles of the UNCRC that my health board asked me to create a Children’s Rights Approach, which would impact directly on practice and steer strategic direction. We launched our Youth Board six years ago and since then I have been inspired, moved, shocked, saddened and uplifted by the young people I have had the privilege to hear from.
The Youth Board spoke up very early on about mental health provision for children and young people. They wanted emotional wellbeing and mental health support when they needed it, not when appointed, and they wanted it outside of a clinical setting. They asked for an individualised, holistic option of care available in the community on days and times that better suit them.
The health board listened and, with a forward-thinking third sector partner, a new service was set up called The Hangout. The Hangout opens 3-9pm every day, including weekends, and offers a drop-in provision. Trained staff are available to support children when they are ready to open up, however long and however many cups of tea or PlayStation games that might take. The mental health results and the numbers of visitors to The Hangout has proven over and over how successful this approach has been. Truly listening to children and young people has had a huge impact on the effectiveness of the service provided to this age group. It is cost effective but, more importantly, it has helped the suffering of many children experiencing emotional distress, in a timely and potentially lifesaving manner.
Youth Board members with the Children's Commissioner for Wales at the launch of The Hangout
Despite the positives, we still need to do better. A young child recently told me how they were misgendered throughout their hospital stay, despite the ward having a large ‘Pride’ display in the corridor. To make a real impact, we need our words, good intentions and learning to translate into action in our daily practice.
23-29 September 2024 is National Inclusion Week, a week dedicated to celebrating inclusion and taking action to create inclusive workplaces. This year's theme is ‘Impact Matters’, a call-to-action to everyone in your organisation, from leaders, to inclusion professionals through to teams and individuals. Each one of us holds the potential to make a profound and positive impact.
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