Transforming Adolescent Health

Why it's time to make connections

Having worked as a GP in the same practice over many years I had the unique privilege of seeing children grow up through adolescence to become independent adults. I realised how critical the teenage years are in terms of young people finding their own identity, learning from their own mistakes, dealing with their worries, developing resilience, and making decisions that might have lifelong implications.

Within the wide landscape of UK primary, young people have too often been dismissed as low priority. And yet a Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health has clearly demonstrated that investing in youth yields triple dividends:

• immediate benefits today,
• healthier adults tomorrow, and
• a better start for the next generation.

The health needs of young people and the ways in which these might be addressed are rapidly changing. For example, in the past few years there has been a massive increase in rates of diagnosed mental health disorders in teenagers, gender-identity anxiety, and recognition of neurodiversity, all of which have contributed to a rise in acute crisis presentations. Young people are having to deal with the impact of social media and now AI. ;In parallel, access to healthcare systems have changed, not always in the best interests of the younger generation.

Given all of this, a joint College, multidisciplinary conference on adolescent health is both essential and timely. The title ‘Transforming Adolescent Health – the Power of Connection’ conveys the importance of connecting effectively with the next generation, recognising the important links between physical and psychological health, and ensuring that everyone who works with young people work together to achieve the best outcomes. Join us in Birmingham next February to make connections that will help to transform adolescent health.