Every year RCPCH &Us takes part in the RCPCH Conference. A working group of children and young people meet every six weeks throughout the year to plan young people’s input.
This March, 30 children and young people, parents and carers, collectively gave 368 hours during our Glasgow conference where they designed and ran an engagement stand on the theme of a party, creating interactive activities including a Spin the Wheel on engagement standards, a giant Wordsearch on Change NHS, an interactive magnetic whiteboard, and an arts and crafts table where visitors created bunting on the theme ‘your 10 year wish for child health’.
Additionally children and young people went up on stage, delivering presentations during opening and closing plenaries, a workshop speech on the importance of clean air, and presenting the PAFTAs awards to trainee paediatricians. Between them they also delivered nearly twenty tannoy announcements, giving directions and information over the airways to ensure visitors knew what was coming up! Phew – what a busy three days it was!
Here’s what some of those volunteers said about the experience:
“It was a privilege to represent young people at the RCPCH&Us stand, celebrating the 10th anniversary of RCPCH&Us with a vibrant party theme. It was inspiring to engage with speakers and delegates from all walks of life who share a dedication to improving child health services.” (Catherine, 19)
“My favourite part of conference was opening plenary, where I was able to speak about the importance of community integration in paediatrics. It was a brilliant opportunity to highlight some of the amazing work RCPCH&US have been up to, as well as changes we would like to see, in front of all the delegates!” (Prayksha, 17)
“What a privilege to be flying the purple flag as a parent expert by experience on the UK Paediatric Epilepsy Programme Board in raising awareness of epilepsy at the annual conference. I loved hearing how paediatricians engage with patients of different ages and stages of development, including singing and dancing; my favourite was the amazing Doctor who once pretended to be a Dalek in order to engage with the patient!” (Lisa, Expert by Experience)
“I loved working on the magnetic wall, because I got to talk to lots of different people and hear their ideas on improving child health.” (XazQ, 16)
“Working on the bunting was the highlight of conference for me as it was really interesting to see what paediatricians’ wishes for the future are. I also got to discuss with them my experiences of paediatric services, along with what we could improve immediately for children and young people.” (Tatiana, 22)
“Volunteering at conference was an amazing experience, especially speaking with so many people to ensure young people’s voices are heard and encouraging them to join in the RCPCH & Us 10th birthday celebrations! A little highlight for me was the teddy bear – as a memory of my first conference with RCPCH & Us.” (Hrutika, 19)
“Seeing ideas and discussions I had been part of translated into a poster which paediatricians were taking the time to read and then come over to the stand to ask questions about, made me feel very proud.” (Xai, 14)
“First day at conference coincided with Epilepsy Awareness Day and so everyone on the RCPCH &Us stand had some sort of purple on! I spoke to healthcare professionals about our epilepsy passport, and the poster made by our Experts by Experience. Visitors took part in activities such as spin the wheel , unscramble the word search , and design a piece of bunting sharing your wish for child health.” (Grace, 22)
Next year’s conference will be even bigger, with a dedicated children and young people’s day. Planning is already underway – we can’t wait!
