Paid opportunity for young people interested in improving healthcare

At University College London, our team facilitate the Social Prescribing Youth Network. “Social prescribing” is when people are connected to non-medical forms of support, for example creative or sports activities, or advice to help with their education or housing situation. There is growing evidence that this can support young people’s health and wellbeing.  

Our network is made up of more than 1,000 people across the UK who are interested in social prescribing for young people, including people working in healthcare, community organisations and policymaking. It aims to connect these people and provide resources, training, and events to support the growing youth social prescribing movement. 

Who can join?

We are looking for five young people to join our Youth Advisory Group and share their views, experiences and ideas. You are eligible if you:  

• Are aged 16-21  
• Live in the UK 
• Have experienced health difficulties/challenges 
• Are interested in sharing your voice and improving healthcare and support for young people 

You don’t need specific skills or qualifications – we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the Network and are interested in hearing your unique perspective.  

 

What will it involve? 

We are asking people to commit to being in the Group from May 2025 – April 2026 in the first instance. Activities will total approximately 20 hours across the time period and you can expect to: 

• Attend four Youth Advisory Group meetings over the year (each lasting one hour, with up to one hour’s pre- and post-meeting activities). This will begin with an introduction to the Network and then together we will discuss what the network should prioritise. We’ll also ask for feedback on resources being developed, including guidance and training for staff delivering social prescribing to young people.  

• Participate in a focus group. We will have a conversation to explore what good social prescribing looks like for young people – including what you think works well and what needs to change. 

• Co-produce a policy briefing. You will shape a short document explaining how social prescribing can best be implemented with young people, to share with local and national politicians, as well as those who fund health services.  

• Join our end of year symposium. In this event we’ll be presenting the year’s work to network members and key stakeholders from policy and practice. As part of this we would love to involve young people who can share their experiences and views.   

• Plus other opportunities for people interested! We welcome other contributions – for example if you would like to write a blog about social prescribing or young people’s health, or appear in a video or interview.  

The majority of activities will take place online, with the option to attend one event in person (we’ll cover the cost of travel). We’ll ask the group what time is best to schedule these activities, to fit with your school, work or other commitments. We understand if you occasionally need to miss a meeting due to illness, exams etc.  

 

What are the benefits? 

• Be paid £25 per hour, via Love2Shop digital vouchers you can use in 40+ retailers like ASOS, Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Just Eat, John Lewis, Ticketmaster and Spotify
• Have your voice heard and make a difference to young people’s health and wellbeing  
• Grow your skills and confidence  
• Get an insight into our work at UCL, with the option to explore other opportunities with our team, including paid internships