Chronic Conundrums: elevating the voices of young consumers with lived experiences
Deanna Darwall 1,2, Jourdan Hancock11Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Randwick and Westmead , NSW, Australia2University of Sydney , Sydney, NSW, Australia
Abstract
Young people within the Chronic Illness Peer Support (ChIPS) community, Department of Youth & Transition (SCHN) identified a need to elevate human experiences through diversifying communication methodologies to improve access and inclusion for young people.
The ChIPS service is coordinated by senior Allied Health professionals and provides psychosocial peer support, facilitated through diverse co-designed therapeutic interventions.
We employed four ChIPS members (ages 17-19 years old) as Podcast Officers who were provided with the support and professional training necessary to independently develop a podcast series exploring the complex and multifaceted intersections of lived experiences of chronic health and/or disability.
Clinicians supported young people to develop a podcast which elevated human experiences in alignment with the NSW Youth Health Framework 2017-2024, to provide a unique modality for communicating health messaging to young people, by young people.
Due for release in August 2023, project evaluation will involve understanding of reach, “consumer” habits, experiences of the Podcast Officers and clinician experience.
‘Chronic Conundrums’ is written by a team of four chronically ill young people who intend to create a space for conversations on their realities. From diagnoses and hospitalisations to treatment and transition services, the podcast invites audiences into the anchors’ imperfect humanities, gaining control of chronic illness narratives. The team aspires to reach disabled and able-bodied audiences; to educate and engage a platform for youth health advocacy in the broader community. – Podcast Officers
Biography
Biographies to come