Youth buddy helps teenage A&E patients
Abirami Prabhakaran is one of 13 ‘youth buddies’ who help engage with young people attending Northwick Park A&E department.
The youth buddies, who receive training on a range of topics from internet safety and domestic abuse to safeguarding, volunteer several hours a week and work alongside clinical staff.
Abirami, who is a second year biomedical student, said: “We talk about a range of topics from home life to their hobbies and interests. Sometimes they also tell me things that might be worrying them, such as bullying or relationship problems or trouble at home. We encourage these patients to seek support through providing them with leaflets as well as informing the NHS staff of any issues or concerns.”
You can find out more about Abirami’s role and why she enjoys volunteering in the video below: