Focus on health of youngsters

The health of young people will be top of the agenda in a campaign launched this month.

Depression, self harming and road tragedies are among the top concerns and Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire (HWCB) is reaching out to residents to provide more effective and accessible services.

It is launching a health and wellbeing event for young people, aged 13 to 18, on Wednesday, February 17 at Center Parcs, Woburn Forest, during the half term break.

Five more children die every day in the UK than other developed nations, and more than half the deaths in the age group 10 – 24 are preventable, according to HWCH.

Depression is the largest contributor to the global burden of disease amongst young people - 80,000 children and young people in the UK are diagnosed with severe depression.

Alcohol and substance misuse is a major contributor to road accidents – the single largest cause of death amongst young people.

Levels of self-harm amongst young people is a growing problem and young people taking on the role of carer is increasing – 290,369 in the UK who are aged 16 to 24.

Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire and their partners are inviting local young people to join them at Center Parcs on February 17, 9am-4pm, to have some fun and inspire for the future.

Places are limited so book a place. Contact Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire on 0300 303 8554 or email [email protected]