Developing Well

Story gathered from 134 young people across Calderdale who had a diverse range of backgrounds found:

What currently works well

• Connect. (Socialise with friends, meet new people, build relationships.)
• Schools, colleges, youth and support groups. (These provide safe and exciting places to go, where there is someone to speak to about wellbeing.)
• Respect. (Be respected as young adults, have the chance to say what is important and be listened to.)
• Achievement. (Qualifications, learn new skills, build confidence and gain experience.)
• Environment. (Supportive places created in young people's settings, outdoor public spaces gather safely, the natural beauty in the area.)
• Services and Activities. (Supportive teachers/staff, trips and fun activities.)

Hopes for the future

• To have a career that fulfils.
• Have great friends and relationships. For some, to start a family.
• Education, such as to finish school, go to university or get an apprenticeship.
• Gain independence, both physical (for example, have a home or car) and financial.
• Others were about activities, like sports, relocation and a range of personal qualities.

What helps achieve hopes and aspirations

• Family and also young people themselves. (Includes changes to personal habits.)
• Education. Teachers and professional support workers.
• Apprenticeships and work placements.
• Professional support. (Such as support workers, therapy, the careers service and Jobcentre Plus.)
• To adopt personal qualities like hard work, being determined and self-belief.
• Improved environment. (For example outside spaces to sit and more flowers in parks.)
• Resources. (Council funds and grants).

Priorities for action

• More support that relates to young people's transition from school to their next steps.
• Create more social opportunities for young people. Friendships are key if they are to achieve their hopes.
• Sport provides many chances for young people to develop key life skills.
• Have services where young people are, where they feel safe and accepted. These should be co-produced with young people.
• Put young people at the heart of our plans. Involve them in key conversations and let them know what happens as a result.

This looks at the health and wellbeing of school aged children in Calderdale. It covers three core themes: health, happiness and safety. The report looks at primary and secondary age school children separately.

It covers these topics:

• General health.
• Nutrition.
• Physical activity.
• Sleep.
• Oral health.
• Emotional wellbeing.
• Risk taking behaviour.
• Safety.

To view the full report, see: Children's health and wellbeing in Calderdale (PDF).

This provides a summary of key indicators which will contribute towards improving healthy life expectancy and reducing inequalities. The indicators which relate to the developing well life course are summarised below.

• The proportion of children living in low-income families (aged under 16) is higher than England at 22.6%.
• The rate of first-time entrants to the youth justice system (aged 10-17) is higher than England at 288.1 per 100,000.
• The percentage of young people aged 16 to 17 not in education, employment or training is better than England at 4.4%.
• The teenage pregnancy rate is similar to England.
• Prevalence of overweight is similar to England with 38.3% of children in year 6 being overweight or obese. Physical activity levels are also similar to England.
• The hospital admission rate for injury:
  • in children (aged 0 to 14) at 87.1 per 10,000 is worse than England;
  • and for young people (aged 15 to 24) at 97.4 per 10,000 is similar to England.
• The percentage of looked after children whose emotional wellbeing is a cause for concern is similar to England.
• Vaccination rates for flu in primary school age children are lower than the 65% target.
• HPV vaccination rates in 12-13 and 13-14 year olds are lower than the 90% target.

For more details, visit: Public Health Outcomes Framework - Calderdale.