The Trust is delighted to announce the launch of its Youth Council, an initiative aimed at engaging young people aged 14–18 in shaping healthcare services.

This new programme has been developed in collaboration with four local schools to ensure that the voices of young people, a group previously underrepresented in our Foundation Trust membership, are heard and valued.

The Youth Council meets three times a year, providing an important platform for students to:

  • Learn about different services within the Trust and explore potential career paths within the NHS.

  • Share their views and feedback on key areas of the Trust’s work, including the Quality Strategy, Public Board reports, and the Trust Visiting Policy.

  • Gain insight into how healthcare decisions are made and how they can contribute to shaping the future of the NHS.

By working closely with schools, the Trust hopes to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals while ensuring that young people’s perspectives are incorporated into decision-making and service development.

Interest in the Youth Council is already growing, with two additional schools set to join the programme for the May meeting.

This expansion highlights the enthusiasm of young people to get involved and the value they bring to the Trust’s work.

If you are interested in volunteering or would like to learn more about the Youth Council, please contact the Foundation Trust Office at cdda-tr.Foundation@nhs.net.

The Trust is excited to see how the Youth Council develops and looks forward to the valuable insights and contributions these young people will bring to our organisation.