P0486 - KNOW YOUR OWN MIND AND BODY - YOUTH HEALTH AND WELLBEING PILOT (TYWI TAF CLUSTER)

Hywel Dda University Health Board’s (HDUHB) Tywi Taf Cluster (2Ts) is seeking to commission a preventative health and wellbeing pilot designed to improve the emotional, physical and social wellbeing of young people across Carmarthen. This pilot has been developed in response to growing evidence of poorer emotional wellbeing, confidence and health literacy among adolescent girls, young women, and gender-diverse individuals requiring services related to women's health, including those who identify as female, transgender, non-binary, or gender diverse alongside increasing concerns about body image, social media influences, anxiety, self-esteem and healthy relationships.

Informed by emerging evidence, it recognises the significant pressures many adolescent girls, young women and gender-diverse young people experience in defining their self-worth and identity through appearance and peer acceptance. These pressures can be further amplified by digital media and evolving social expectations, contributing to declining wellbeing, confidence and mental health among young people.

The pilot will provide safe, welcoming and inclusive environments where young people can develop confidence, build positive relationships, improve health knowledge and access support or signposting where required. Whilst the primary focus of the pilot is adolescent girls, young women and gender-diverse individuals requiring services related to women's health, including those who identify as female, transgender, non-binary or gender diverse, the pilot will also include planned engagement opportunities for boys and young men.

These activities will promote healthy relationships, mutual respect, emotional literacy, equality, consent and positive health behaviours, recognising the important role that all young people play in creating supportive and respectful communities. The pilot supports the principles of prevention, early intervention, prudent healthcare, co-production and reducing health inequalities. It also contributes to the wider aims of improving population health outcomes, strengthening community resilience and enabling young people to make informed choices about their health and wellbeing.