Developing health services designed for young people

The Healthy Child Programme sets out an evidence-based, preventive programme supporting current research which demonstrates lifestyles and habits established during childhood, adolescence and young adulthood influence a person’s health throughout their life. Healthy Lives Brighter Futures identifies the importance of targeting services toward young people, ensuring they receive high quality support and advice on making healthy choices such as alcohol, drugs, smoking, sexual health. During the developmental stage of adolescence young people strive for independence and begin to make decisions that impact on the rest of their lives.

School nurses are skilled in leading teams that promote health improvement. They working within a progressive model where services are both universal and targeted towards those with specific needs. If young people are involved in service design and delivery they are more likely to access services and promote them within their peer group. Consultation with young people also allows effective evaluation of the service ensuring quality is maintained and service delivery improved. The article explores the role of the school nurse when involving young people in service development and the implications this has for future practice.