Speak Up: Sharrow Community Forum
This year's Speak Up grants all focus on the voices and experiences of children and young people in Sheffield.
Sharrow Community Forum is a community-based organisation dedicated to supporting children, young people, families, and local residents across the Sharrow area of Sheffield. The organisation works to create inclusive, safe, and welcoming spaces where people from diverse backgrounds can connect, learn, and thrive.
They used their Speak Up grant to run group discussions and one-to-one conversations about healthcare during outdoor engagement sessions around a campfire.
What did young people talk about?
Young people shared both positive and negative experiences about care and support they've received from services.
What led to positive experiences?
- Supportive school environments
- Early intervention and personalised support
What are the barriers and challenges?
- Long waiting times for diagnosis
- Lack of support before diagnosis
- Transition gaps (school to college)
- Feeling dismissed or not believed
- Pressures on young people’s mental health
To learn more about Sharrow Community Forum's project, and the findings from children and young people, read the full report below.
