Putting Young People First Sexual health services for

Putting Young People First Sexual health services for young people Julie Wareing Brook in Blackburn Zagreb October 2009

Brook • Founded in 1964 by Lady Helen Brook • National voluntary sector provider of free and confidential sexual health advice and services specifically for young people under 25. • Registered charity, • 200, 000 young people each year. • 18 Centres across the UK

Brooks Vision • Brook wants a society that values all children, young people and their developing sexuality. We want all children and young people to be supported to develop the selfconfidence, skills and understanding they need to enjoy and take responsibility for their sexual lives, sexual health and emotional wellbeing.

We want to see • demonstrable improvements in societal attitudes and intergenerational communication about sex, sexuality and sexual health. • significant developments in the quality and quantity of education and sexual health services in school, further education, health and community settings.

Mission statement • to ensure that all children and young people have access to high quality, free and confidential sexual health services, as well as education and support that enables them to make informed, active choices about their personal and sexual relationships so they can enjoy their sexuality without harm.

Our Values • Putting young people first • Confidentiality for young people • A positive view of sexuality • Freedom of choice • Access to free contraception for all • Availability of legal and safe abortion • Respect for diversity

Young Peoples Rights • Work within the UN Convention on Rights of the Child • Value young people’s rights to – Confidentiality – Education – Sexuality – Choice – Involvement – Diversity

Brook Blackburn • Established for 16 years • Work in some of most deprived and also most affluent areas of UK • High ethnic minority population • 15, 000 clinical contacts per year • 16, 000 Outreach contacts

National and Local context • Commissioned by Health and also Local authority • Project funding for many projects – Training for professionals – Boys and young men work – Condom distribution • Delivering outcomes against National and Local Indicators

Services • Clinical • 6 days per week • Nurse Led • Drop In • Counselling • Outreach

Holistic Approach • • • Ask Questions Link to Children’s Social Care Mental health Housing Alcohol and Substance Misuse services

We Face Challenges As Well • • • Confidentiality Safeguarding Media perception Anti Choice activity and lobbying Cultural issues

Get involved and Talk • • • Local forums Children's trusts Safeguarding Boards Centres of Influence Work with not against - where possible • Play to your strengths • You won’t win them all!

Pro Active Approach • Involve Young People- peer education – Campaigns – Outreach – Resource Development

Creative Techniques • Media Based resources • Young People driven • Celebrate their involvement

Hold on to what matters • What are young people telling us they want? • Are we responding appropriately? • Is what we are doing best for them? • Is what we are doing reflective of a rights based, needs led organisation • Are we truly putting young people first?

Any Questions? JULIE. WAREING@BROOKBLACKBURN. ORG. UK www. brook. org. uk