Youth Council
Are you aged 16 to 25? Would you like to make sure the views of you, your friends and your community are represented within Team QEH?
The Youth Council gives young people aged 16 to 25 a meaningful voice at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust (The QEH).
Established as the first of its kind in healthcare in Norfolk, the Youth Council ensures that the views, experiences and ideas of young people are heard and considered by the Trust Board and Council of Governors. Members help shape how services are designed and delivered, both now and as plans develop for the new hospital.
What the Youth Council does
The Youth Council acts as a link between The QEH and young people across West and North Norfolk, North Cambridgeshire and South Lincolnshire.
By sharing their lived experience and insight, members help the Trust to:
- Improve the experience of care for children, young people and young adults
- Design services that better reflect the needs of local communities
- Shape how the Trust engages with young people
- Influence plans for the future, including development of the new hospital due to open in 2032
Recent work includes leading and co‑designing projects that give young people practical insight into NHS careers, such as a Youth Council‑led Work Experience Insight Week delivered in partnership with the Education Faculty and Learning and Development Team.
Who the Youth Council represents
Youth Council members reflect a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. They may be:
- Current or former patients
- Students or carers
- Members of staff or volunteers
- Young people who live, work or study in the communities served by The QEH
No previous experience is needed to be involved in Youth Council activity – what matters most is an interest in improving services and opportunities for young people.
Developing skills and confidence
Being involved in Youth Council projects helps young people build confidence, develop communication and leadership skills, and learn more about the wide range of careers within the NHS. This includes not only clinical roles, but also opportunities in areas such as IT, estates and facilities, administration, logistics and communications.
Membership updates
The Youth Council is not currently recruiting new members.
When opportunities to join become available, details will be shared through The QEH website and social media channels. For more information, please email youth.council@qehkl.nhs.uk
