Young Health Ambassadors: A Better u
South Tyneside Young Health Ambassadors (STYHA) is a programme led by the South Tyneside Public Health Team.
Our Sexual Health team, work in partnership with South Tyneside Public Health and also South Tyneside Young Health Ambassadors (STYHA), who undertake annual service visits and inspections to ensure delivery of local NHS services continues and remains young person friendly.
Sexual Health services strive to ensure equal and inclusive access for all ages, engaging with local communities such as our local South Tyneside Young Health Ambassadors (STYHA) ensuring we are delivering high quality service for young people.
South Tyneside Young Health Ambassadors are a group of volunteers aged 14-17 who have been trained to undertake inspections of health services, to offer information & advice to their peers and to run their own health campaigns. The Ambassadors act as advocates for their peers to make health services better for young people within South Tyneside.
Below are some commonly asked questions we often get asked here at South Tyneside Sexual health. Do you have a question you would like us to feature, give us a call do discuss.
Young People: Frequently Asked Questions
- No we will not tell your parents or the person who looks after you but if you are under 16 we will ask you who knows you’re coming to the clinic. We will also encourage you to be open with a parent or an adult you can trust. This is so we know that if you have a problem you have someone to help you.
- If you are under 16 we need to make sure that you understand the advice and information we are giving you and that you are able to “weigh it up” in your own mind.
Definitely not – professionals view it as a sign of maturity that you are doing something about your sexual health and not just leaving it to chance.
You can come and talk to us from any age. Every young person’s needs are assessed on an individual basis.
Never!
You can but this may mean we have to give you an appointment to come back to the clinic when we can accommodate your request.
No in most instances your information will not be shared. Everything you discuss in the clinic is ‘confidential’. But – if we are worried that you or someone close to you is at risk of serious harm we have a duty to keep you safe. Sometimes that means we need to have a chat with your parent or carer. We will always let you know if we need to share information you have given us, nothing will happen without your knowledge.
No this is free.
Usually no, but sometimes if we are worried about you we might need to share information with other health professionals to keep you safe. We will discuss this with you first.