05 July 2009Young people in the District look set to benefit from improved access to sexual health advice and information in 2008 thanks to an exciting new partnership in the area.
The Sevenoaks District Local Implementation Group has been set up to improve communication with young people and to help them make more informed choices and promote the sexual health services available locally for them.
A range of information is easy to access on the 'For Young People' website, a comprehensive resource for young people offering information and advice on sexual health for young people in Kent.
It also contains details of sexual health services, such as contraception distribution points, available in 27 towns in Kent, including Sevenoaks, Edenbridge and Swanley, drug and alcohol information, support for young parents and much more.
Representatives on the Sevenoaks District Local Implementation Group, which is a sub-group of the Kent Teenage Pregnancy Partnership, include Sevenoaks District Council, Kent Count Council, West Kent Primary Care Trust, Eastern and Coastal Kent Primary Care Trust, Connexions and Spring House Family Services.
Although Sevenoaks District has one of the lowest teenage pregnancy rates in Kent, Central Government targets aim to achieve a 50% reduction by 2010. The partnership has developed an action plan to further reduce teenage pregnancy rates and offer support for young people.
Cllr Felicity Broomby, Sevenoaks District Council's Cabinet member with responsibility for healthy living, says: "Some young people may find talking to their parents, or even their friends, about sexual health matters both embarrassing and awkward. The aim of this partnership is to provide support and advice for these young people and to ensure they have access to the information they need."
To make access even easier, the 'For Young People' service also offers a free phone line, on 0800 072848, giving information on sexual health services available locally.
There is also a text message service available, which is affliated with the national organisation, Brook. Young people can text BROOK INFO to 81222 for instant automated information on key sexual health topics, or BROOK SERVICE to 81222 for details of their nearest sexual health service.
As part of a new marketing campaign, 'For Young People' posters and cards will be displayed in key locations across the District including youth clubs, secondary schools, shops and many other places in the coming weeks.
For more information visit the 'For Young People' website.
