ENHANCE Arrows

Children, young people and their families have been at the heart of this project from the very beginning when the application was being written.

They worked with the research team to look at the design of the project, sharing valuable insight into what needs to be considered for working with other families attending CEW clinics.

  • Advocating Responsible Research Opportunities for Wellbeing Services

    The ARROWS team advise on branding, language and imagery used in the research.

    The team live across England and meet online with the research team.

  • A team of young people and their families who are supporting each other and the researchers across the country to help improve the hospital weight management services. The ARROWS represent the voice of young people and their families who have lived experience of obesity and the help they have received from the NHS.

  • What is their role?

    The ARROWS support the researchers by gathering information and helping design the project logos, the surveys and interview questions.

    They have come together as a group to help and support each other and inform the healthcare providers of what’s working and what not.

    The ARROWS aim to improve the experiences of young people and their families when they attend the clinics. 

In October, ARROWS took part in a residential weekend.
Watch this video to see more about wha we did during the residential.

“We had such a lovely time it's been a while since Tilly felt normal and we didn't stress about what she eats , does etc . We're very proud to be part of the study and as I mentioned I now have hope these kids will not be stereotypically talked about . It truly was a wonderful experience I'll treasure forever . Thanks again for the generosity, caring words and actions from all the team . Can't wait to see pics/videos. ARROWS rock”

Want to be an ARROW? We are now forming a larger group called the ARROWS Alliance. Find out more here or contact us!

Meet the Team

  • Nikki Page

    PARENT | Leeds

    Hobbies: gym, swim , reading , family time 

    The clinic is multi disciplinary and everyone is so supportive we feel part of a family who has our daughters best interests at heart.

    Being an ARROW feels like we are complete. For the first time in a year since Tilly was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes I have hope. It feels like a family and the relationships we have built with parents, careers and the team is a life long bond. 

  • Tilly Page

    YOUNG PERSON (age: 13) | Leeds

    Hobbies: Theatre, dancing, singing 

    Did you have any worries about attending the weight management clinics?

    It would be all about weighing me and have a go at my weight

    Do you have any advice for others going to the hospital weight management clinics?

    Don’t be scared just go with it and you will achieve more

    What do you enjoy most about being an ARROW?

    I enjoy being an ARROW because it makes me feel part of a group

    Quote: “they said I couldn’t do it, so I did it anyway.”

  • David Page

    PARENT | Leeds

    Hobbies: boxing, socialising with family, friends 

    I must admit I’m not a person to share my thoughts and feelings , however to see my daughter happy and make new friends like her it was a memorable moment .... thanks ARROWS

  • Frances and Grace Bell

    PARENT AND YOUNG PERSON (age: 16) | Sheffield

    Hobbies: crochet, reading and movies

    Did you have any worries about attending the weight management clinics?

    Lack of understanding and think fat people are lazy

    Do you have any advice for others going to the hospital weight management clinics?

    To get a second opinion if you feel your not been listened to and got the support your child needs as early as possible.

    What do you enjoy most about being an ARROW?

    Hopefully make a change so other family don't struggle like we have had to and been listen to and not judged

  • Sarah Fish

    PARENT | Sheffield

    Attending weight management is always a nervous feeling of being judged as a parent… ARROWS has taken the judgement away

  • Mason Fish

    YOUNG PERSON (age:13) | Sheffield

    Hobbies: football

    Did you have any worries about attending the weight management clinics?

    He has felt nervous about attending weight management clinics

    Do you have any advice for others going to the hospital weight management clinics?

    He has never attended hospital weight management

    What do you enjoy most about being an ARROW?

    Being an ARROW has helped his confidence in helping others out there get their opinions across on how to be treated with weight. Young people shouldn't be treated differently they are very able and capable.

  • Julia King

    PARENT | Chesterfield

    Hobbies: avid reader, fanatic spin addict (but cant actually ride a bike)

    Advice for others write down your questions as I always forget to ask until I’m out of the room.

    What I like best about ARROWS is seeing all our wonderful young people grow and develop in confidence as they get to know each other.

  • Zoe Bolderson

    PARENT | Sheffield

    Hobbies: Films, reading and distance learners courses for further education

    Did you have any worries about attending the weight management clinics?

    Only time out of school for Dylan. Wish clinics were after school or Saturday mornings.

    Do you have any advice for others going to the hospital weight management clinics?

    Accept all the help and advice they can give you. These clinics are fantastic for helping overweight kids but also the whole family with advice and group sessions. Helping to make someone else's life better. There was no help available when was a child and used to go to me GP all the time crying and begging for help.

    What do you enjoy most about being an ARROW?

    Meeting people in the same situation. It helps to know there is families in the same predicament and we can share experiences and help to prevent any obstacles we have faced.

  • Dylan Bolderson

    YOUNG PERSON (age: 15) | Sheffield

    Hobbies: Table tennis, football, golf, handball, art and photography

    Did you have any worries about attending the weight management clinics?

    No except it is in school time. Weekends or after school would be better. 

    Do you have any advice for others going to the hospital weight management clinics?

    Accept their help and listen to advice they give.

    What do you enjoy most about being an ARROW?

    Meeting new people, building the website, creating friendships and helping but most of all having fun.

  • Kayla Williams

    YOUNG PERSON (age 13) | Huddersfield

    Hobbies: Dance, drama, singing and colouring 

    Did you have any worries about attending the weight management clinics ?

    Yes, feeling judged, etc

    Do you have any advice for others going to the hospital weight management clinics?

    Just breathe they are very trustworthy people and will do their best to do anything to help you

    What do you enjoy most about being an ARROW?

    Meeting new people, feeling included not an outcast and being heard 

  • Michelle Williams

    PARENT | Huddersfield

    Hobbies: Diamond painting, colouring, sewing and crochet 

    Did you have any worries about attending the weight management clinics ?

    Yes feeling like I had failed and worried what they would say to Kayla

    Do you have any advice for others going to the hospital weight management clinics?

    Go you'll be surprised it's a very caring environment

    What do you enjoy most about being an ARROW?

    Meeting new people and hopefully making the future of the service better if that's possible 😁 

  • Luvna Ragoo

    YOUNG PERSON | Bristol

    Hobbies: I like watching films and YouTube so that I have things to talk to my friends about. With those friends I like to do DIY photoshoots to build my camera skills and give them higher quality photos to use on their social media

    Did you have any worries about attending the weight management clinics?

    I thought that it wouldn’t be as collaborative with other people as it is now and that I wouldn’t have substantial things to add to the conversations we have.

    Do you have any advice for others going to the hospital weight management clinics?

    Try not to be hard on yourself when experiencing weight increase when doing your best to manage it. If something isn’t working for you, be honest with the people closest to you and the doctors who are helping you so you can reach a place where you are happier with your weight and feel healthier.

    What do you enjoy most about being an ARROW?

    Being around different people from different places but sharing the same experiences makes me feel less alone and determined to see a change in my weight and I hope whatever that change is will make me happier and healthier in the long run.

  • Pluto

    YOUNG PERSON (age 18) | Derbyshire

    Hobbies: Reading, crocheting, cooking

    The thing I enjoy most about being an ARROW is being part of a community with like minded people who share similar experiences and who all want to make a positive change.

    My experience with the hospital for my excess weight wasn't the best, essentially being told the exact same thing every time (eat less, move more) even though we know it isn't always that easy. Since from 16 years I didn't fit into any services and that has been a struggle.

    That's another reason I'm so excited to be part of the ARROWS, who are trying to change the way health professionals view and treat excess weight and related health issues