Young people from across Shropshire have provided a valuable snapshot of their lives after sharing their views on a range of issues including health, safety and democracy.
Almost 1,900 teenagers from twelve secondary schools have offered the insight into their lifestyles by completing the Health of Young People Survey (HYPS).
The responses of the 11 to 15 year olds will help organisations that work with young people - including Shropshire County Council and Shropshire County Primary Care Trust - to plan and evaluate their programmes and activities.
The electronic survey asked questions in 2008 under the headings of ‘Being Healthy’; ‘Staying Safe’ and ‘Making a Positive Contribution’.
In a report noted by the county council’s Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel yesterday, Wednesday 4 February 2009, the findings are compared to 2007’s HYPS results and, where available, national figures.
Under the ‘Being Healthy’ heading it was found that more Shropshire 11 to 15 year olds reported eating portions of fruit and vegetables and more pupils reported never having smoked compared to both the 2007 HYPS and national figures.
The answers also showed that the number of Shropshire pupils ever being offered drugs was lower than both the 2007 local and national figures.
Under the ‘Staying Safe’ heading more pupils reported feeling ‘very safe’ or ‘fairly safe’ during the day and after dark than in 2007*, and among the ‘Making a Positive Contribution’ outcomes more pupils felt they were able to influence decisions affecting their local area than in 2007*.
Councillor Roger Evans, Chair of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel said: “This survey provides valuable information which can help to improve the lives of young people in Shropshire.
“This information is vital in finding out the views of young people; not just what we think they are. Such accurate and current local data can be used to identify the needs of children and young people, plan services and activities, and evaluate the impact of these on children and young people’s health, well-being and lifestyles, both in and out of school.
“I’m also particularly pleased that Shropshire Members of Youth Parliament (MYP) are represented on the Scrutiny Panel to help us consider the published reports.”
Daniel Greenwood, 16, a deputy MYP and Rachel Meyrick, 16, a former deputy MYP and a current member of the Speaking Out Group which supports MYPs, were invited to share their views and put questions to members of yesterday’s panel.
Daniel said: “Being at Scrutiny Panel helps us to put young people's situations into perspective.
“It’s important not to lose track of the key focus of services aimed at improving young people’s health and well-being in Shropshire - especially looking at issues such as drugs and alcohol where a priority is harm reduction. Involving young people helps to keep this focus.”
Rachel added: “Young people’s views are being heard through activities like the HYPS and attendance at council meetings.
“It’s great that young people are having their say on positive topics such as healthy eating, democracy and volunteering, as well as having an input on how to tackle issues and problems such as bullying which may affect the lives of young people.”
* No national comparison available.
Issued: 5 February 2009