Youth needed to drive health survey

Community Development Director Fiona Hodges said the survey results would form the basis of a pilot project focused on improving young people’s sexual health and increasing access to sexual health related information and support within the City.

“The City’s Youth Service has been working with the North Metropolitan Health Service on ways to improve the availability of local sexual health services in the area,” she said.

“We are currently in the process of consulting with young people aged 15 to 24 who live in the City of Wanneroo to establish their needs in relation to sexual health support.

“We are keen to ensure that the research is as representative of local young people as possible.”

The City of Wanneroo, Health Department, Youth Affairs Council of WA, Western Australian Aids Council and other government and non-government agencies were invited to be part of a working group to increase accessibility to STI testing for young people in the North Metro region.

“As the pilot area for this project, the City can act as a positive role model for other local governments in terms of pro-actively meeting the health and wellbeing needs of young people,” Mrs Hodges said

“The survey aims to gather a picture of where young people would feel most comfortable accessing information, support and services so we can best support them now and in the future.

The survey does not ask about individuals personal sexual experiences or encourage young people to engage in any such practice.