Council has today endorsed the “Our Future, Our Health: Young People’s experiences of growing up in Knowsley” Public Health Annual Report for 2025/26.
The report focusses on adolescent health and wellbeing in Knowsley, with a particular focus on young people aged 10 to 19 years. Adolescence is a critical stage of development and the report examines how experiences, opportunities and wider determinants of health can influence outcomes throughout a person’s life.
Cllr Christine Bannon, Cabinet Member for Health, said “This year’s report provides insight into the experiences and perspectives of young people, acknowledges the challenges they face, and identifies collective actions to support improved health, wellbeing and life opportunities. There’s also a range of recommendations, developed with children and young people, which we will now progress over the coming year, working alongside them.”
The views and experiences of young people have informed the report’s development which outlines four key priorities:-
- Supporting young people’s mental health and wellbeing and the importance of timely support, trusted relationships and access to services.
- Commercial influences shaping young people’s choices, including social media, advertising and the availability of unhealthy products on their choices, behaviours and wellbeing.
- Helping young people thrive in their communities, including access to safe and welcoming places, opportunities to connect with others, take part in activities and feel supported.
- Making healthcare work for young people, including increasing awareness of available support and ensuring services are accessible, welcoming and responsive to the needs of young people.
A range of recommendations are also incorporated in the report, aiming to strengthen support for adolescents and improve health and wellbeing outcomes. This includes ensuring children and young people are involved in shaping the design and delivery of services and programmes specifically for them; how poverty-related stigma impacts children and young people during the school day; co-production an inclusive youth-centred communications approach that promotes wellbeing, tackles stigma and bullying and raises awareness of social media pressures; and improve access to trusted information, advice and support services.
Young people will play an active role in shaping how these recommendations are delivered, providing ongoing feedback and insight to ensure actions remain relevant, effective and reflective of their lived experiences.