Mandatory neurodiversity training for all education and healthcare professionals is among recommendations in the letter, which has been signed by dozens of young people and backed by children's charities including Save the Children.
They are also asking the PM to ensure young people’s views are listened to when implementing policy and that schools and youth clubs are given funding to support children’s creativity to improve their wellbeing.
In addition, they are calling for more funding to support children’s mental health and fitness to “stop people from getting unwell”.
The letter has been written by 16-year-old Jai Radcliffe and 11-year-old Sophia Morton and signed by 28 other children. It has also been signed by among others Children’s Rights Alliance for England, Obesity UK, Feeding Britain and Whizz Kids and The Children’s Society.
Jai and Sophia’s letter tells Starmer that they “want to make sure every child gets the opportunity to follow their dreams, not letting medical or financial obstacles get in their way”.
It also details their personal stories, including how Jai is now successfully studying at college after being removed from mainstream education. Meanwhile, Sophia experienced health issues as a baby but is now an aspiring ballroom dancer.
The letter is being delivered by Jai and Sophia, alongside Labour MP for Knowsley Annaliese Midgley to Number 10 today.
“I hope this letter from the amazing children and young people will encourage the Government to prioritise children and listen to doctors and nurses on the front-line," she said.
The letter has been written as part of Alder Hey Children’s Charity’s campaigning around healthcare improvements and is calling on the government to ensure the views of children and clinicians help shape the 10 Year Health Plan and Child Poverty Strategy, which are due to be published later this year.
“In 2025, we must put an end to this crisis. We can treat the health conditions, but we can’t help families who can’t afford to travel to their appointments or are too scared to switch the heating on during the winter,” said Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust consultant respiratory paediatrician Processor Ian Sinha.
“The government must listen to us, to children and young people, and ensure our voices are heard when planning the NHS for the future.”
This week a group of 325 care experienced young people also called for better mental health support. Their recommendations to children’s minister Janet Daby include improving access to counselling and therapy for care leavers and those in care. Better trauma training for teachers was also called for.
