YOUNG people from across the region are leading the way in a new health forum.
The first Youth Health Advisory Forum for the region has been established by NHS Dumfries and Galloway and met for the first time at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary
It’s made up of 11 youngsters, aged between 13 and 16. They are Sophie, Ella, Emma, Callan, Lucas, Jessica, Gabriella, Yvonne, Zuzanna, Emily and Michaela.
Each brings their own experience – either personally or shared with family – of accessing healthcare services.
The forum will give young people the opportunity to be involved in helping to shape and influence healthcare services across NHS Dumfries and Galloway for their peers and their families. Their roles and responsibilities could include:
n Raising awareness of health issues that are important to children and young people locally
n Working in partnership on improvements projects alongside other children, young people and professionals.
n Providing young people with a voice and the ability to develop their own ideas and advocate on behalf of others.
n Opportunities to support various departments who work alongside children and young people throughout NHS Dumfries and Galloway.
Gareth Marr, NHS chief operating officer, said: “This is an exciting development for young people in the region and for the organisation. I know that the young people on this new forum can bring a fresh perspective to the work we do here in south west Scotland.”
n For more information about the forum, including future opportunities to join from January 2026, email Alison Telfer on [email protected]
