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NHS Teen LifeCheck (TLC)
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a new online health service
Introduction
• A new online interactive health service for 12 to 15-year-olds
• Purpose is to improve adolescent health and reduce health inequalities by:
• encouraging young people to answer a simple tick-box questionnaire about their lifestyle choices
• giving feedback and advice on a range of topics
• motivating them to set achievable ‘SMART’ goals
• providing links to extra sources of help and information
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Background
• First outlined in Youth Matters consultation (2005) Commitment in Our Health, Our Care, Our Say (2006)
• NHS Teen LifeCheck piloted in 2007 with positive evaluation from young people
• Latest version built on these evaluation findings
Two other NHS LifeChecks so far:
• NHS Early Years for parents/carers of 5-8 month old babies
• NHS Mid-life for 45-60 year-olds (in development).
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What are the benefits for young people?
• Empowers them to gain more control over their own health and well-being
• Raises awareness of risk-taking behaviour
• Support of positive choices can raise self-esteem
• Opens discussion on issues which may be of concern
• Confidential - they choose if they want to share it
• Signposts to local sources of information and support
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What are the benefits for professionals?
• TLC promotes healthy lifestyle choices
• Supports delivery of PSHE Key Stages 3 and 4
• Can stimulate discussion on a wide range of issues
• TLC reinforces your key messages
• Can trigger thoughts about behaviour change and help in setting achievable goals
• Enhances communication between agencies
• Supports delivery of local and national public health priorities - reducing inequalities
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Which subjects are covered by the TLC?
• Physical activity
• Nutrition
• Solvents and illegal drugs
• Alcohol
• Smoking
• Sexual health
• Emotional health - including bullying
• Feelings - about school and self-esteem
• Family Issues - arguments at home
• Personal safety and crime
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Who can promote Teen LifeCheck ?
• Primary Care Trusts• Local Authorities
• Schools (nurses, PHSE leads, extended schools)
• Pupil Referral Units and youth offending services
• GP surgeries• Youth services• Voluntary sector• Libraries• Leisure Centres• Internet cafes• Pharmacies/contraception services
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Who should be targeted?
• TLC has been developed for all young people but access for these key groups should be made a priority:
– asylum seekers
– looked-after children
– travelling community
– black and ethnic minority groups
– young people with learning or physical disabilities
– gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender young people
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Pilot evidence - reasons to promote TLC
• ‘Your feelings’ section seen as innovative and safe
• ‘Your lifestyle’ section gave new facts and information
• TLC a ‘virtual buddy’ for those inclined to change
• Personal feedback raises awareness of individual risk
• Aids conversation with entrenched young people
• Positive reinforcement when making healthy choices
• More detailed evidence available in LifeCheck Support Pack Lite
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Using Teen LifeCheck
• TLC is voluntary and private but something young people may need to be encouraged to do
• Pilot showed demonstrating TLC in PSHE lesson to be an excellent way to raise awareness of the site
• Emphasising TLC’s feedback and support sections when first introduced, increases its potential for use
• Health and youth services already using computers for information purposes could add TLC icon
• A range of promotional resources can be downloaded from the Support Pack Lite on the DH website
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What is in the Support Pack Lite?
• The story of NHS LifeCheck
• Detailed evidence document
• Frequently asked questions
• Promotional materials, e.g. posters, postcards
• This PowerPoint presentation and user notes for raising awareness about TLC
• All can be downloaded and shared from the website
www.dh.gov.uk/lifecheck
• More resources will be added
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How the LifeCheck team can support you
• Download a range of resources from the ‘Support Pack Lite’ on the Department of Health website
• Email the team if you have specific questions:[email protected]
• A media and marketing campaign will support national roll-out in 2009
• 83 Local Authorities each given £70k for implementation
• NHS LifeCheck Reference Group and Regional Public Health team available to help
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What to do next…
• Check access to the TLC website in your setting
• Familiarise yourself with TLC and its various paths
• Get the environment right:
• think about the best place for young people to use TLC. Is there a link to a printer? Is it private?
• Link with colleagues and develop local plans
• Think about how you will let young people know about NHS Teen LifeCheck
• Check out the website for more information including frequently asked questions www.dh.gov.uk/lifecheck
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Essential information
The service:
www.nhs.uk/lifecheck
The support site:
www.dh.gov.uk/lifecheck
The email address:
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