Sheffield Local Involvement Network

On a cold but fine Saturday at the end of January, Sheffield LINk organised a hugely successful children and young people's day in the city centre. More than 500 people visited our marquee at the top of Fargate - and half of these were children and young people.

Street entertainers help attract people to the marquee

The marquee had lots of activities including a graffiti wall and Big Brother-style diary room that helped children and young people share their views on health and social care services in the city. The Shine health bus was also present at the day, offering healthy living advice and the chance to try out gym equipment and the Nintendo Wii Fit.

Ben and Matthew talk about going to the doctor

The full report from the event is still being finalised but some of early recommendations include:

• Health professionals should be encouraged to talk directly to young patients and simplify their language to ensure good understanding
• Children should be encouraged to have regular eye tests
• More opportunities should be made available for children and young people to access a variety of activities after school
• Information on all aspects of sexual health should be widely available and advertised for young people
• Further work is needed to address issues around bullying.

Nathan and Matthew emerge from the Big Brother style Diary Room

Following this event, Sheffield LINk has established a Children and Young People's Committee. This is responsible for:

• Helping children and young people become involved in the LINk and ensuring their voices are heard at all levels
• Establishing action groups looking into issues affecting children and young people
• Making sure that inclusion of this critical group is at the heart of all LINk activities.
• Setting up action groups that are relevant to children and young people's services.

We are still interested in finding children and young people and those with an interest in related issues to join the Committee or one of the action groups. For further information please contact us.