Insight into Youth Sexual health
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Tees Valley Youthwatch identified that sexual health was a key issue for young people aged between 13 and 15. They undertook focus groups to understand what was important to young people knowing about sexual health.
They found that key messages and advice on how to stay safe differ depending on different schools, religious groups and the physical and mental ability of the individual. They felt peer to peer support was important so felt a poster aimed at young people at secondary school.
Young people want to be informed about available sexual health services in their local communities. They don’t want to just talk to their friends and family. Many felt that their issue would have to be very severe or unknown before going to a GP as they were concerned their family might find out. They wanted to see information about sexual health services shared more in the local area that spoke to them as young people.