#BeeWell youth wellbeing programme set to bring a hive of activity to 130 local secondary schools this autumn

Young people in over 130 secondary schools will be invited to have their say on the issues that matter to them most, as a pioneering youth-centred wellbeing programme gets underway in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton

A survey delivered by the #BeeWell programme will be launched on 18 September in participating secondary, special and independent schools, as well as alternative provision settings, and will seek Year 8 and 10 students’ views on a range of topics including their emotions, relationships, aspirations, and health.

The results of the survey will be shared from March 2024 in a bid to influence and improve wellbeing services for young people. Participating schools, communities, voluntary sector organisations, and young people themselves are amongst those who will be called on to act on the survey results and help bring about positive change to wellbeing provision for young people, both locally and nationally.

David Gregson, founder of #BeeWell, said “It is crucial that we hear directly from young people themselves in conversations about their wellbeing. I’m delighted that such a high proportion of schools - and such a wide range of schools - in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton, have committed to taking part in the #BeeWell survey this autumn. The feedback young people share will give weight to wider debate about their wellbeing, informing how we collectively act to deliver improvements.”

Having originated in Greater Manchester in 2021, the #BeeWell programme has already heard from over 60,000 young people and inspired partners including the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Arts Council England and local voluntary sector organisations to bring significant new investment into wellbeing provision for young people. It has also provided opportunities for young people in Greater Manchester to undertake new health qualifications, discuss survey findings with politicians, and even commission new wellbeing activities in their local communities.

The programme in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton will see annual surveys delivered in participating schools over the next three years from September 2023.

While registration to deliver this year’s survey has now closed, schools who have not signed up can still take part next year. Local schools interested in being involved can email hiow.beewell@hants.gov.uk to find out more.