YOUNG people in North Yorkshire are being asked to help shape their own healthcare services.

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust has launched a Youth Forum, and is looking for enthusiastic young people aged 13 to 19 who want to develop new skills, meet new people, share experiences and influence decision making.

They say the views of all young people are welcomed, especially those that have received care provided by the Trust and people who want a career in healthcare.

Sandra Dobson, Chair of the Trust said: "There are lots of ways to get involved in the Youth Forum including attending meetings, being part of a wider social network and responding to surveys.

“This is a very exciting initiative to harness the views and ideas of young people. They have much to contribute to the development of future services and this will enable them individually to reflect on potential future careers.”

The Youth Forum will be part of the Trust’s wider Education Liaison programme for young people, which aims to inspire the next generation of healthcare workers. The Trust provided over 100 work experience placements last year and is offering mock university interviews for prospective medical and nursing students.