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Healthwatch Derbyshire undertook this area of work because they had limited intelligence from children and young people (CAYP). Therefore, it was felt that a targeted piece of engagement work would help them to engage directly with CAYP to ensure their voices are heard and used to influence the delivery of services. 

They spoke to the Children’s Sustainable Transformation Partnership (STP) Board who are responsible for running, choosing and buying health services for CAYP in Derbyshire. The Children’s STP Board told Healthwatch that they would like to find out what helps CAYP to make healthy lifestyle choices. This was due to the fact that the information they had collected suggested in Derbyshire being a healthy weight, exercise levels, tooth decay, teenage pregnancy, smoking, drugs and alcohol were all real issues and challenges within the county, compared to many other areas of the country.

Key findings from this report included: availability and cost of NHS dentists acted as a barrier; there was a lack of knowledge about oral hygiene among CAYP; the safety levels of particular areas also affected how comfortable parents felt about letting their children play outside; many CAYP felt their PE lessons at school were tailored to suit boys over girls; food costs acted as a barrier for eating healthily; some CAYP felt embarrassed about getting contraception as there was not much privacy in doing so. 

Healthwatch made multiple recommendations for each topic covered. The report received a service provider response. 

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20190821_Derbyshire_ Children and young people - creative engagement.pdf