Children and young people transition

Growing up brings many changes, and for young people living with a long-term health condition, one of the most important is the move from children's healthcare services to adult services.

Healthcare transition is a planned, gradual process that helps young people aged 11 to 25 develop the knowledge, confidence and skills they need to take a more active role in managing their own health. Rather than being a single event, it is a journey that takes place over time, with support tailored to each individual's needs.

This stage of life can be particularly challenging. Young people are navigating education, employment, relationships and increasing independence, while also managing their health needs. They may feel caught between childhood and adulthood, making it difficult to know where they fit within healthcare services.

Children's services are often family-centred, with parents and carers taking a leading role in appointments and decision-making. Adult services, however, expect patients to take greater responsibility for their own care. Healthcare transition helps bridge this gap by supporting young people to understand their condition, manage medications, book appointments, communicate with healthcare professionals and make informed decisions about their wellbeing.

Effective transition is essential. Without the right support, some young people can become disengaged from services and "fall through the gaps" between children's and adult care. This can lead to missed appointments, interrupted treatment, worsening health conditions and an increased need for emergency care or hospital admissions.

Our dedicated Healthcare Transition Team works alongside young people, families and healthcare professionals to ensure the move to adult services is as smooth as possible. By providing guidance, encouragement and practical support, we help young people build the confidence and independence they need to manage their health successfully into adulthood.

Every young person deserves the support, knowledge and confidence to manage their health as they move into adult life. By working together with young people, families and healthcare teams, we can help ensure no one is left feeling lost between services and that every transition is a successful one.