Young people are helping the Council to raise awareness of sexual health amongst their peers.
Officers have been working with young people to look at new ways to promote the campaign SAFE (Sexual health Advice For Everyone).
SAFE, a joint initiative between the Council and NHS B&NES, is a sign or brand used by local organisations that provide sexual health information, and indicates they are confidential, have friendly staff, provide up-to-date information and resources and are easily accessible to young people.
Venues that meet these criteria are awarded a SAFE branded window sticker – so wherever you see the sticker you know that venue is providing that service specifically for young people. Venues include GPs surgeries, pharmacies and youth hubs.
Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Youth Service team met young people out on the street, ran activities in youth hubs and ran a young people’s survey – in which 62% of young people surveyed suggested that the internet was the best way to promote sexual health service to other young people.
Councillor Nathan Hartley (Lib-Dem, Peasedown), Deputy Leader of Council and Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children and Youth, said: “Bath & North East Somerset Council is committed to supporting young people and preparing them for adult life and works closely with local health services to promote healthy lifestyles.“
As a result of this work the Council has set up a SAFE page on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/banessafe) where young people can find out more and be entered into a prize draw to win donated prizes including an iPod touch, a digital camera and a pair of skull candy headphones.
To enter young people simply need to click on the “like” button on the SAFE page on Facebook, before April 30. Entrants need to 13-19 and either a resident of Bath and North East Somerset or attend a school or college within the district.
