-in service giving advice to young people

-in service giving advice to young people

8 March 2017

THE South Eastern Regional College is to work in partnership with health chiefs delivering a -in service in Downpatrick for students and residents.

The College has signed a formal agreement with the South Eastern Trust to operate the Youth Health Advice Service at its Market Street campus which will offer free tailored and impartial advice on a range of health and well-being topics to anyone between 16 and 25.

The service will help raise awareness and provide advice on general health issues, also focusing  on drugs, alcohol, smoking cessation, sexual health and emotional health and well-being.

Last week, there was an official signing ceremony at the Market Street campus to cement the formal agreement between the College and the South Eastern Trust.

Brendan Whittle, the Trust’s Director of Children’s Services and Executive Director of Social Work, said the organisation is delighted to be working in partnership with the College and to be entering into a Memorandum of Understanding to further develop the Youth Health Advice Service.

He continued: “In today’s society, we are only too aware of the pressures on our young people with the increasing usage of social media, hazardous drinking, smoking, unsafe sexual behaviour and mental health issues. 

“This is a great opportunity for our young people to attend a unique, personal, confidential and local facility suited to meet their ongoing medical needs and concerns. With the availability of a qualified youth health nurse, the young people can be assured of a professional and caring service with the ability of onward signposting and referral to other agencies.”

College principal and chief executive, Ken Webb, said the “exciting milestone” recognises the organisation’s continuing focus on looking after the welfare of all learners.

“The Youth Health Advisory Service offers students the opportunity to access one-to-one confidential support and free, impartial advice on a range of health issues, without having to wait to get an appointment with their GP,” he explained.

“Working with health trust nurses and community health practitioners, students have access to resources which focus on all aspects of health and well-being to help them make informed choices about their health.”

Gabrielle O’Neill from the South Eastern Trust, who is responsible for co-ordinating the service, said the new partnership is a great way of reaching out to young people in their own environment.

“My experience is that young people have many health-related worries and concerns around their health, particularly in relation to smoking, alcohol and drug use, sexual health and pregnancy, and emotional health issues such as anxiety and depression,” she continued.

“Rather than worry about these issues, we would urge them to avail of the service to discuss their concerns with us so that we can give them personalised advice and help.”

The further education college is also working with a wide range of partners, including Carecall, PIPS, Policing Community and Safety Partnership, Mind Your Mate and Yourself, ASCERT  and the Samaritans to ensure the health needs of students are met.

To book a slot at the drop-in centre, visit reception at the College’s Downpatrick campus between 9.30am and 12.30pm. Slots will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Appointments can also be made with Ruth Ewing via email or telephone. The contact details are serchealth@setrust.hscni.nt or 07753 310352.