News and reports

The System Influencers Programme brought together young people (16–25) and health professionals in City & Hackney to co-produce better health and care services. Over two years, five 12-week cycles engaged 71 young influencers and 26 mentors, delivering 19 youth-led projects on mental health, sexual health, equity, and community connection. These collaborations built trust, improved service accessibility, and inspired education pathways for participants. Despite challenges such as and time constraints, the programme proved that genuine partnership creates meaningful change. Showcases celebrated achievements and strengthened networks, making services more inclusive and youth-centred, a true example of co-production in action.

Ten years after our 2015 report we looked see what sickle cell improvement had been made to the service. We found significant variation in patient experience depending on where care is received. Patients reported disbelief, stigma, delayed pain relief and poor GP knowledge in A&E and primary care, often leading to unsafe self-management. Lloyd Ward has improved, with more professional staff and better pain management, but communication and consistency remain concerns. The Medical Day Unit (MDU) was praised for specialist expertise, rapid treatment, trust and compassionate care. The report recommends improving A&E standards, GP knowledge, anti-racism practices, care coordination and support during transitions to adult services network we were able to make a significant impact.