Volunteering for Health

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

April is World Autism Acceptance Month . It is a time to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and build understanding of autism. It also reminds us that autistic people should be supported, understood, and valued. To mark the month, we are sharing a video created last autumn by young volunteers who took part in the Volunteering for Health programme. The video was co-created with young people and the Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Neurodevelopmental Pathway team. It is narrated by the young people in their own words, with support from the team. Using animation and real voices, the video asks an important question: Do you think you’re autistic? It shows supportive conversations between young people, explains common autistic traits, and talks about how to get an assessment. The video also explains what help is available while waiting for an assessment, including how schools can make reasonable adjustments to make everyday life easier. It also looks at what happens when a young person turns 16 and moves into adult services. This can include creating a hospital passport , which explains what support someone may need during appointments and what adjustments can help. Watch the video : So! You think you're autistic | Videos & Movies on Vimeo Find out more: www.bhamcommunity.nhs.uk/ndp-asd Find help and support: National Autistic Society (NAS): www.autism.org.uk/ Autism Support Service Directory: www.autism.org.uk/autism-services-directory/r/resources-for-autism-birmingham Autism West Midlands: www.autismwestmidlands.org.uk/

Across Birmingham, the NHS and the city’s many charities are working hard to support patients, families and communities. Volunteers continue to play an important role in that picture - as a valued part of the wider health and wellbeing system. Our Volunteering for Health page brings together a wide range of opportunities that contribute to: Patient support within NHS settings Community health and wellbeing initiatives Tackling loneliness and social isolation Promoting healthier lifestyles Supporting recovery and independence For organisations delivering health-related activity - whether alongside the NHS or in the community - this page provides a shared space to showcase opportunities and help residents find the right route in. Health volunteering is often a first step for people looking to gain experience, build skills or explore careers in health and care. Making these roles visible and easy to access benefits the whole system. If you’re speaking to prospective volunteers, partners or stakeholders, please consider directing them to the Volunteering for Health section on Volunteer Brum. It’s a practical way we can collectively strengthen Birmingham’s health and wellbeing offer. Find health opportunities on Volunteer Brum