by
Alex Keep
| Dec 12, 2017
Young people in Norfolk and NHS Professionals from the Children and Young People’s Health Services have been featured in a new series of podcasts hosted by BBC Radio One presenter and actor Cel Spellman.
The series aims to get more young people in-tune with their health and wellbeing by sharing a variety of candid discussion programs.
Sexually transmitted infections, self-harming, depression, drugs and more are on the agenda, as Cel lifts the lid on teenage health issues. Young people from Norfolk speak
honestly about their experiences of different health problems which they say can be embarrassing, uncomfortable and sometimes misunderstood.
There are ten shows and each focus on a different topic, the two particular episodes featuring NHS staff and young people from Norfolk are episode 3 “mental health - me and my emotions” and episode 4 “sexual health - are you ready?”
The team behind the 20 minute episodes hope that young people going through difficulties may find it easier to open up and talk if they can hear peers discussing the same troubles.
Presenter Cel Spellman, who hosts the Sunday afternoon slot on BBC Radio One and stars in ITV drama Cold Feet stated:
“I feel pretty privileged to have heard such honest and touching personal stories, Young people today have to deal with all the classic teenage worries and troubles, but it doesn’t end there. With social media, current affairs and online, this digital generation have much more to deal with. Sometimes these sort of problems can be misunderstood by our peers who say we’ve never had it so easy, so get on with it.”
The podcasts are designed for people who like to listen through headphones whilst on the move, users can search “Health Uncovered” in any popular podcasting app, like iTunes, to download or stream the podcasts to mobile devices. Alternatively, users can also stream the podcasts directly from the Children and Young People’s Health Services website using this link:
http://bit.ly/norfolk-healthuncovered
Sian Larrington, Head of Service, Norfolk Children and Young People's Services has expressed her delight with the outcome,
“I would like to thank the young people that were featured in the Norfolk episodes, their openness and first hand insight is what will make these podcasts successful.”
“We are very proud to be part of this project and thrilled with the final product. Creating resources like this really highlights that our service is a service for young people.”
“To communicate effectively with our young people in the Norfolk community, we have to speak their language and communicate using formats they find easy and accessible, this selection of podcasts does just that.”
Public Health, the commissioners of the service are also happy with the project. Dr Louise Smith, Director of Public Health in Norfolk, said:
“It’s important that we get people talking about issues such as STIs, depression and drugs at an early age to help de-stigmatise them. These podcasts will allow young people to hear from their peers, rather than being talked at, which will hopefully reassure them that they’re not alone in facing these issues.”