Take action now to invoke your Rights under the UN Convention Rights of the Child:
- Article 12 – the right for children and young people to be heard on decisions that affect you
- Article 24 – the right for children and young people to the best possible healthcare and health services
Until end Jan 2026 RCPCH is inviting all children and young people aged 5 – 25 to cast their vote in a national poll prioritising key areas of child health.
The State of Child Health 2026 is an evidence-based report looking to improve the health and outcomes of children and young people across the UK by presenting governments and decision-makers with data and policy recommendations.To inform the 2026 report, we’ve already consulted over 3,000 children and young people through national engagement activities. Their responses have helped us identify the top five issues across the UK as determined by children and young people.
We have now developed a very short ballot listing those five priority health topics for children and young people to vote on. Following the ballot, which is taking place across the country the results will be worked on by a group of young people before being featured in the 2026 State of Child Health report and ongoing advocacy and campaigning by RCPCH.
The five priority health topics are:
- Support for your emotional health and well being
- Support for your physical health
- Support to feel confident and ready to manage booking your appointments, get your prescriptions, or visit health services on your own
- Giving your ideas and getting involved in helping shape health services to meet your needs
- Getting the right help, at the right time and from the right health worker, wherever you are in the UK
This ballot is an important opportunity for children and young people to exercise your rights and influence real change. To cast your vote visit: MS Form for individuals to use to vote
If you’re a youth worker, healthcare professional or teacher reading this, we have resources to help you support your children and young people to take part in this important vote. Visit this page for more details and to access these (all free!)
Good luck and thanks for taking part! And don’t forget – voting closes end of January 2026.
