Summary
The Eczema Outreach Support (EOS) Youth Panel comprises a group of young people (YP) (aged 16-25 years) with eczema who advocate and raise awareness about the experiences of YP living with eczema. Its work influences the development of EOS activities, services and informs the wider health care community so that no YP with eczema faces the condition alone.
Method
The EOS leadership team identified the need for a formal Youth Panel to shape and develop its services for YP. Working with young people with eczema, they co-produced a proposal, vision and recruitment plans. Objectives included: oversight of EOS programmes to ensure they were well designed, appealing and would have a positive impact on members; a communications plan to spread the word and raise awareness of EOS, plus formulation of a plan to ensure resources would be available to make it happen (fundraising, researching funding streams and/or supporting funding applications). The YP meet monthly and attend board meetings. Other meetings/sub-groups are also convened if there are time-sensitive topics or specific projects to be considered between board meetings.
Results
There are currently seven EOS Youth Panel members, with plans to recruit more. The Youth Panel has identified and achieved its goals. These include: YPs’ voices represented at meetings with the board, which considers their views when making strategic decisions or plans for the service; panel members learn new skills to increase their confidence for the future, such as teamwork, communication and project planning; those who want to can stay connected to EOS once they’ve moved on from their support services for teenagers; panel members increase confidence in talking about eczema and sharing experiences, as well as feeling more connected to others with eczema. In addition, YP with eczema are more aware of EOS and the support provided. EOS services are more accessible and relevant to the changing needs of YP with eczema. YP with eczema feel more confident and supported to deal with their condition. The wider team has been inspired by the stories and experiences of the YP, which has improved service development, delivery and job satisfaction. Since establishing the Youth Panel, members have completed leadership training with Dare2Lead and been involved in a variety of activities promoting the needs of YP living with eczema: reviewed EOS internal youth projects and resources; been involved in developing apps for external partners; participated in research studies and contributed to publications, podcasts and conference presentations, plus advised on transition from children’s to adult services at Bristol Children’s Hospital.
Sustainability and Spread
The EOS team has supported the Youth Panel members to gain new transferable skills for their CVs, UCAS statements and job applications. A culture of evaluation and evolution is important, with YP given the respect they deserve and feedback, so they know the difference they are making. Panel members spread the word through social media. Two youth panel members created a recruitment video and there is also a youth panel webinar for parents and carers.
Dermatology Team of the Year
Eczema Outreach Support (EOS) Youth Panel
