Young People Lead the Way with New Volunteering for Health School Clubs

Young people across Birmingham are taking the lead on health and wellbeing in their schools through a growing network of Volunteering for Health School Clubs. 

What began through the involvement of young volunteers in the wider Volunteering for Health programme has now developed into something new and exciting: student-led clubs created in response to ideas put forward by young people themselves. 

Ten schools have already signed up, showing the appetite among students to have a stronger voice in the health issues that matter to them. 

Designed for young people aged 14 to 21, the clubs give students the chance to explore real health topics, speak openly about issues often overlooked, and make a positive difference within their own school communities. 

Each club is led by students, with light-touch support from school staff for safeguarding and administration and support from several colleagues in the NHS who help coordinate city-wide gatherings and information flow for the clubs. Young people decide the direction of their club and choose the issues they want to focus on. 

Topics already identified include: 

• immunisation and vaccination  
• healthy eating  
• sleep and wellbeing  
• mental health  
• women’s health  
• local public health campaigns  
• transition from children’s to adult healthcare  

Activities can include awareness campaigns, assemblies, information sessions, events, and peer-led discussions. Students also gain opportunities to connect with healthcare professionals, learn about careers in the sector, and build valuable skills such as teamwork, confidence, communication and leadership. 

Alongside activity in schools, members are supported through monthly online catch-ups and termly in-person events where clubs can share ideas and learn from one another. 

Leaders Day Brings Clubs Together 

On Wednesday 8 April, young people from the clubs came together for a Volunteering for Health Leaders Day at Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust headquarters in Aston, Birmingham. 

The day began with a masterclass from Olli Hills of TikTok agency Nonsensical, who shared practical advice on creating effective video content and using social media to reach young audiences. 

In the afternoon, students worked in groups to develop ideas for future club activity, with many creating their own TikTok videos to promote health messages. 

Young Voices Making a Difference 

One of the young leaders attending the day was Afsana, from King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls and a member of the Volunteering for Health leadership team. She said: “I got involved in V4H as I really valued the purpose, which is to make healthcare opportunities more accessible to students. 

“I've seen many students struggle with securing healthcare opportunities in person due to how competitive they are. Through V4H, I hope to contribute to creating a more inclusive and accessible pathway into healthcare.” 

Speaking about the impact in school, she added: “The club has allowed students to gain leadership experience, as the co-chair and I have put together a leadership team, and we hope to increase the confidence and knowledge of other students within our school.” 

Yalda, also from King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls and a young leader in the programme, said: “I got involved because I genuinely wanted to make a difference and have my opinions heard in a way that could help shape the future of healthcare. 

“Healthcare affects us directly, yet we’re often left out of the decision-making process.” 

She said the club is already making an impact: “The Club is already providing confidence to young leaders, even though our first official session hasn’t taken place yet. “Engagement with healthcare topics has already increased, because the messages come from people of the same age group, making them relevant and relatable.” 

A Strong Foundation for the Future 

The creation of the Volunteering for Health School Clubs shows what can happen when young people are trusted to lead. 

Rather than being told what matters, students are shaping conversations themselves, supporting their peers, and helping build healthier school communities. 

With ten schools already involved, this is only the beginning. 

Find out more about Volunteering for Health