Why?
The ANV AMPLIFY awards aim to champion and recognise the work of children in care councils and care leaver forums. They were held in October 2024 (Amplify – Coram Voice) – Devon’s ‘Stand Up, Speak Up’ Care Leaver Council were nominated for the ‘Digital award’.
What?
The young Asylum Seekers worked with the Participation Team and NHS colleagues to co-produce a video that gives information and raises awareness about a first hospital visit in Devon – known as an ‘Initial Health Assessment’.
- In order to inform the content of the video, the young people shared their experiences of their first visit to a hospital in Devon, what they were worried about and what they would have found useful to know beforehand.
- The group then did some further research amongst their peers to improve their understanding of the issue. Their peers shared some interesting views about how it felt to have their blood taken, how daunting and confusing the experience is for many, and how intrusive and scary it felt to have that first health assessment.
- Although the young people did not make the video themselves, they were involved in advising on and approving the content; and offered advice on accessibility and understanding, as they really wanted to help reassure other asylum seekers who arrive in Devon.
- After the video was created, they checked that it included all the important information and reflected their research. They peer-checked it and also helped with the translation into their own languages.
What difference did it make?
- The group worked together to create a video. The video has been translated into 9 different languages and uploaded on to the Stand Up, Speak Up YouTube channel. It has been shared with all doctors and nurses in Devon and Plymouth and with the Young Asylum Seekers social worker team for them to share with the young people they are working with. Young people will be able to access it directly as it’s included in a new ‘Welcome to Devon’ guide that is currently being created and co-produced with asylum seekers.
- The video ensures that young asylum seekers who have recently arrived in Devon know what the Initial Health Assessment will involve, so that they feel prepared, reassured and able to ask questions if needed.
- The video has received interest from Coram BAAF.
- Feedback from young people included:
‘Its brilliant’
‘I listened to your video yesterday, last night, but it is amazing video, nothing wrong it, it’s perfect 👌’
‘It’s very clear and good translation’