Enabling children and young people’s involvement in whole system action to reduce inequalities in the social determinants of health

This project aims to enable children and young people (CYP) to be involved in action to reduce inequalities in the social determinants of health.

We will explore CYP views of health, including what makes people healthy, what makes it harder to be healthy and their perspectives regarding inequalities in health within their local area. We will work with CYP to identify their key priorities in addressing the impact environments can have on their current and future health. We will also explore what they would like to convey to people who are responsible for addressing health inequalities in their area.

We will explore their perspectives through a combination of activities such as Photovoice, mapping exercises and creative workshops. We will seek to work with children and young people who are themselves experiencing disadvantage and seeking inclusion.

We will work with a group of CYP and other key collaborators such as Public Health England, the Association for Young People’s Health and the Health Foundation to co-produce a toolkit of multimedia resources aimed at children and young people. The toolkit will provide CYP with an understanding of health and wellbeing as a human right, how an environment can impact health, and ways they can participate and get involved in activities to help reduce inequalities and improve the environment they live in.

We will also host a Photovoice exhibition, where children or advocates for the children have the chance to talk to decision-makers and tell the stories behind the photographs. We will also explore hosting a virtual exhibition which showcases the experience of CYP involved in the project.