Children and young people in Croydon can share their views about support for their health and wellbeing by completing a borough-wide survey this autumn.

Those in school years four, six, eight, 10 and 12 are being asked for information about their mental health, what they eat, their exercise and sleep routines, friendships and relationships, and other topics affecting their thoughts, feelings and development.

All children and young people in the targeted age groups can complete the survey anonymously, with support from teachers and adults responsible for their education. All education settings will be contacted with the survey registration details.

Croydon Council has committed to run the health and wellbeing survey over a ten-year period, managed by the council’s public health team. This is the second survey in the series.

The findings will track how the health and wellbeing of local children and young people changes over time.  It will help inform how to improve services and make a positive difference to children and young people in the borough.

More than 4,000 children and young people took part in the council’s first health and wellbeing survey. The council, schools, education and youth organisations, and the health and community sector have implemented several changes as a result.

This includes Croydon Council’s new wellbeing resource portal for schools to help them access information on supporting children and young people with their health and wellbeing. A wellbeing forum for schools has also been established to build a network of teachers to better support children and young people with their mental and physical health.

The current survey findings will be published early next year.

“This series of health and wellbeing surveys gives children and young people a chance to have their voices heard and for their views to be at the heart of decisions to improve their lives. I am grateful to all those who can share these important insights. The survey findings will be used to shape local policies and target support across our borough on areas such as safety, mental health and equality.”

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon