Understanding Common Conditions and Growing Up Healthy – Children and Young People

Introduction

Lots of children and young people are living and managing different conditions that can affect their health and wellbeing. The word ‘conditions’ can often be used to describe a disease, disorder or syndrome and can be short-term or long-lasting, affecting different parts of our bodies including our physical and mental health.

Examples of a physical conditions could be epilepsy, diabetes or scoliosis. A physical condition can affect our bodies and how they work.

A condition affecting our mental health could be depression, anxiety or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and these can often affect how we think and feel.

Do you need help understanding your mental and physical condition?

You may have been diagnosed with a condition, or have a family member or friend who has a condition and you would like to know more about it. We can direct and help you find the information you need to help you understand more about it.

There are lots of useful websites, leaflets, apps, charities and other resources that can help. There are specific services that can provide lots of different types of support, including local support groups and online forums.

Healthier Together is a website that provides advice to adults, children and young people and health professionals. It has lots of resources for young people to use when wanting to learn more about a condition, growing up and improving health.

To access the Healthier Together website, download the app on Apple Store or Google Play or go to: https://nenc-healthiertogether.nhs.uk/young-person.

You will find helpful information on lots of conditions such as asthma, diabetes, fainting and dizziness, hair loss, headaches, testicular pain and lumps, toilet trouble, epilepsy and anxiety.

There are many useful links to other support services such as mental health, growing up healthy, sexual health, LGBTQ+ and more and they can be found on the healthier together website too.

The NHS provides information on lots of different health conditions through accessing their website: https://www.nhs.uk/health-a-to-z/conditions/.

You can find information through the NHS app, this can be downloaded through Apple Store or Google Play.

Emotional Health and Wellbeing

Sometimes managing a health condition can affect your emotional health and wellbeing too. If you need to talk to someone to help you manage your mental health you can access Kooth, a free, safe and anonymous place for young people to find online support, counselling and tools to help you manage your emotional health. It can be accessed through the website https://www.kooth.com or by downloading the Kooth App.                                          

There are lots of other services that can support young people’s mental health, the healthier together website can guide you through the different types of support available for young people.

Help in Your Local Area

If you live in Stockton-On-Tees or Hartlepool you can access the local authority directory of services. This provides information on health and wellbeing, Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services, care safety and support, housing and much more. Here you will find local support groups for those living with long-term health conditions, addiction, living with disabilities and other services. You can access the directories here:

Stockton-On-Tees Directory of Services
Website: https://www.stockton.gov.uk/localoffer

Hartlepool Directory of Services
Website: https://www.hartlepool.gov.uk/directories

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust

If you have a long-term health condition, you can ask your doctor or specialist nurse for more information about your condition.

They will help you to understand your condition, can provide you with advice on how to best manage this and can help direct you to further information or support services that maybe available to you.

Ask your doctor or your nurse at your next appointment if you need further support or you may contact:

The Children’s Admin Hub
Telephone: 01429 522717
Monday to Friday, 08:00 am to 04:00 pm
(excluding weekends and bank holidays)

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:

Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617

Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience

We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:

Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team at:

Email: [email protected]