In her third Annual Report, Director of Public Health Louise Wallace tells the story of the 151,000 children and young people aged under 25 who live in North Yorkshire. It reflects on the impact of the last few years, bringing in young people’s own words and creativity to help tell their tale.
The report follows children through key milestones, and gives an overview of each phase of their lives, reflecting on health and wellbeing, looking at the key facts and figures, and the story behind the data.
Several key themes are explored. Firstly, the digitisation of every aspect of life, from services surrounding the very littlest to immersion in digital work and play for young adults, with varied impacts on social and health inequalities. Then, the changing landscape of mental health, with wellbeing and resilience affected at every age. And finally, what is apparent from the children’s voices, no matter how young or old, is that the things that bring happiness are family, friends and having something to do, and places to go.
The report provides recommendations for all ages, for each stage in a young person’s life, as well as specific points on mental health and wellbeing. These recommendations are not just for services. They should engage every organisation, every community, every family to think about the children in our county and further afield so that we provide an environment in which young people can thrive and tools that they can use to fulfil their potential.
Read Director of Public Health annual report 2023 - In Our Words: a Child’s Life in North Yorkshire
