YouthWatch Leeds

06/07/2026

Our annual report for 2025 to 2026 is here. It is packed with people’s experiences of health and care in Leeds and how we championed improvements to services.
It shows that when people share their experiences and an independent organisation listens, services act.
Read the full report on our website.
healthwatchleeds.co.uk/reports-recommendations/2026/annual-report-2025-26/

Read the Healthwatch Leeds Annual Report 2025 to 2026. Find out how people's voices shaped NHS and social care services in Leeds this year.

16/06/2026

We had our June meeting yesterday and cracked on with our project around making sure young people have the information they need to look after their health and care.

The project came from our young people noticing that there are lots of useful services, support, and information available to help people manage their health and care, but many people just aren't aware of them. This is especially true for young people who are building their independence and learning how to navigate healthcare services.

We picked two topics we want to focus on and got started with the plans...

1. Who can get free prescriptions, and how to get them
2. Where to find health information you can trust

Watch this space for updates and finished products!

Check out our portraits from the warm-up activity in the meeting too!! 🎨

15/06/2026

The Leeds SEND Youth Council are proud to be hosting a special event for Disability Pride Month:

This is Us: Proud to Belong – A SEND Celebration

📅 Wednesday 22 July 2026
⏰ 10:30am – 2:30pm (drop in anytime)
📍 Leeds Kirkgate Market Event Space (food hall)

The Leeds SEND Youth Council are a group of young people with special educational needs and disabilities who work together to share their views and help make Leeds more inclusive.

This event is all about bringing people together so no one feels alone – celebrating identity, raising awareness, and sharing voices.

✨ What to expect:

Creative activities like badge-making, flag design and fidget toy making

A sensory area

Performances

Information stalls and support

A welcoming space to connect with others

Everyone is welcome! Who’s with us?

👉 Find out more: https://tinyurl.com/ThisIsUsEvent22ndJuly

Let’s come together, be proud of who we are, and celebrate our community 💛

12/06/2026

What is the Youth Voice Census?
https://www.youthemployment.org.uk/youth-voice-census/
The Census survey is open to anyone aged 11-30 and living in the UK. Completing the Census is your chance to share how you feel about life, work, education and opportunity right now.
Click the button below to add your voice by 22nd June!

https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/91044376/Youth-Voice-Census-2026

11/06/2026

Good luck to all our YouthWatch Leeds volunteers who are currently sitting Mocks / GCSE exams / A-level exams.

We know how much hard work, time, and commitment you have put into preparing for them, so now it’s your time to shine! Good luck from all the staff at Healthwatch Leeds

01/06/2026

Are you 14-18 years old and have lived in a cold, damp or low energy house? You might want to take part in this research and get a £25 shopping voucher for your time ☺️
https://york.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eULAociSK9VeEiq

22/05/2026

The Health (NHS Modernisation) Bill was published this week, and it confirms plans to abolish Healthwatch.

We want to be clear: we are still here, still listening, and still working as normal. Nothing changes until at least April 2027.

But the clock is ticking. Parliament debates the Bill for the first time on 1 June, and Leeds MPs need to hear from people in their communities before that day.

Healthwatch Leeds exists because people in Leeds need somewhere independent to share their experiences of health and care. Somewhere that is not part of the NHS or local authority. Somewhere that speaks up without fear or favour.

If you think that matters, please write to your MP. We have made it as easy as possible. There is a template letter and step-by-step guide on our website.

https://healthwatchleeds.co.uk/heal.../2026/letter-to-mp/...