Picture: SANDRA MORELLO
HEADSPACE Mount Gambier is breaking down barriers to ensure young people can access free sexual health services.
The youth-oriented organisation has partnered with Country Health Connect and Limestone Coast Local Health Network to deliver this service in a “safe and confidential space”.
The service will be initially offered monthly with a view to increasing access over time.
This follows extensive consultation with young people across Mount Gambier to determine the viability of the sexual health service.
General information, counselling, contraception and pregnancy advice, sexuality and gender, as well as STI screenings and treatment options will be offered as part of the service.
headspace community reference group member Ally Finnis – who provided a voice for young people in the community – said the service was important for the region’s youth.
“This service is super important because the sexual health clinic for youth is something that has been missing in Mount Gambier,” Ally said.
“It is something youth people really desire to have access to and to empower them to take charge of their sexual health in a place that is safe, accessible and respectful.”
She said it was important youth had access to a non-judgemental and inconclusive service.
“The clinic itself is not exclusively labelled as a sexual health clinic, we are calling it a health clinic to reiterate is about a holistic approach that we are striving to achieve as a centre.
“We do not want anybody to feel uncomfortable in anyway coming here.”
Ally said accessing these services could be potentially intimidating for young people given there was concerns over stigma or judgement.
“It is so important to pay attention to your sexual health, just as you would for the rest of your physical or mental health,” she added.
“headspace is already seen as a safe and welcoming environment for young people. The fact we are able to Country Health Connect to offer this service at headspace is fantastic,” she said.
“It will be like a one-stop shop for young people.”
Ally said headspace was mandated to offer mental health, physical and sexual health services as well as drug/alcohol counselling services and educational services.
headspace centre manager Tasja Barelds said there was strong support across the city for the service.
“With an overwhelming favourable response, headspace and Country Health Connect took the immediate opportunity to find a way to start the service sooner rather than later,” Ms Barelds said.
“Incorporating the qualified and specialist skills of local community nurse, Emma Thomas, headspace will continue to listen to local young people’s needs and support them by delivering an effective, safe and accessible physical health service.
“The service is available for all young people aged 12-25 youth sexual health clinic free and confidential.”
The Youth Health Clinic will open: Monday, September 30, Wednesday November 6 and Tuesday, December 3 – all from 1pm to 3.30pm, with bookings required.
