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The Department of Health's Children and Young People's Public Health Team and Child Health, Maternity and Women's Health Branch invites full applications from research teams who want to bid to undertake evaluation of its programme of Young People's Health Demonstration Sites.

The 'Choosing Health' White Paper identified the health needs of teenagers as a priority area. The need to support children and young people, as well as their parents, carers and families in the development of a 'healthy framework for life' was recognised. A broad programme of initiatives is being instigated to provide this support. Fundamental to this programme is the drive to ensure that health services are equipped and coordinated to meet children and young people's needs.

Choosing Health built on the requirements set out in the Children, Young People and Maternity Services National Service Framework, which aim to make health care provision accessible and welcoming to young people. Currently young people report high levels of dissatisfaction with the health care they receive. Amongst the activities planned, the Department has made a specific commitment that from 2006 it will 'pilot health services dedicated to young people and designed around their needs. These services will include primary care and specialist services in locations that are aimed at attracting young people' (commitment 3.94)3