Engaging with Young People on sexual health Kenya & Saffron

What is….. UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. Driven by their experiences, YoungMinds campaign, research and influence policy and practice. YoungMinds also provide expert knowledge to professionals, parents and young people through their Parents' Helpline, online resources, training and development, outreach work and publications.

Why Healthwatch wanted to talk to Young People Want to get better at hearing from young people Fits with our priority work – sexual health – mental health

What happened?

We wanted to find out... What it is like for young people to access sexual health services What ideas young people had to improve services What influences sexual health and behaviour

The group

Access to Services Most young people agreed that they can access mental health without fear or judgement (12/14) Few young people agreed that they can access sexual health services without fear or judgement (3/14) 5 young people said that they know what sexual health services are All but one person thought that young people know how to access information, support or services relating to sexual health 5 young people said that young people have a good understanding of sexual health (or sex education) 5 young people agreed that there are lots of services to help young people to have healthy relationships and safe sex

Behaviour and Influences 12 young people agreed that the mental health of young people does influence their sexual behaviour All but one person agreed that youth face a lot of peer pressure and this can affect their sexual behaviour 12 young people agreed that it is ok to be in a sexual relationship without emotional involvement

Who Young People Talk To 5 young people said that youth are able to talk to their peers about their sexual health 5 young people said they are able to talk to adults about their sexual health 5 young people agreed that young people were free to be open about their sexuality 11 young people agreed that it’s a taboo to talk about sex

What is important for Young People Information Contraception pack Free Contraception (2 people) Knowledge Non heterosexual relationships Consent (7 people)

What young people recommend Better sex education in schools ‘Staff should not judge and be supportive ‘waiting rooms should be more relaxed’ ‘Sex education should start younger at primary school’ ‘Separate guys and girls services’ ‘if staff are open its easier to talk to them’ ‘more focus on emotional relationships’ ‘age matters when it comes to the person you are talking to’ More places to get free contraception ‘Free contraception with C Card from all pharmacies’ (not just local ones) Sex education Service improvement Communication with staff

Healthwatch Southwark will… Continue to talk with young people about what it is like to access sexual health services Talk with wider members of the community about their experience Continue to be a part of the Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham Sexual Health strategy Voice findings at decision making boards such as the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and the Health and Wellbeing Board Create a report of all findings and share with clinicians, general public and decision making boards