Teenagers have received awards for their part in shaping the future of the borough’s youth-focused health services.

During the ‘You’re Welcome’ project, the 12 to 19-year-olds became ‘Young Assessors’ to gauge how friendly health services are towards younger people.

This year the youngsters assessed ten services, including mental health and sexual health services, children’s centres and pharmacies, as part of Dr Katie Coleman’s project, who is vice chair of Islington’s new Clinical Commissioning Group – the body which commissions healthcare for the borough.

The keen teens then used mystery shoppers, telephone calls and review websites to make recommendations for service development and decide which of the services should be awarded ‘You’re Welcome’ approval.

Six services – The Brandon Centre, Community CAMHS, New River Green Children’s Centre, Packington Children’s Centre and two Clockwork Pharmacies on Caledonian Road – have been awarded the accreditation to show they provide a ‘young people friendly’ service.

The Young Assessors have also been involved throughout the redesign of the reception area and publicity materials at Pulse N7 – Islington’s sexual health hub – and will be supporting CAMHS to improve their waiting area and information for young people.

They have also been involved in recruitment panels and training for CAMHS clinicians and focus groups around young people’s health issues.