Targeted youth support: sexual health support works in a variety of settings

SEXions was set up in 2002, in response to an identified local need for consistent sexual health support and intervention. Multi-agency support, in the form of funding and a management steering group has been key to the direction the project has taken.

SEXions' overall aim, in line with local and national targets, is to reduce the number of unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections amongst teenagers, and to increase access to services.

The team works in a variety of settings. We deliver sexual health workshops in local schools (including one special school) and other educational and youth settings, and work alongside the family planning service to support local teenage clinics. We offer one-to-one support to all young people. This includes supporting access to appointments such as Genito-Urinary medicine.

We are now a mainstream service within Ashfield and Mansfield Primary Care Trust, and continue to work in partnership with key agencies and organisations such as Connexions, young people's division, family planning, education and Newstead healthy living centre.

Because of the type of support we offer, we do not take paper referrals from young people or other agencies. We prefer young people to self-refer as we need to be happy they understand why they want support.

Young people can contact us via text message or phone and we support them on an individual basis, at a time and in a place that best suits them. Our numbers are given out on SEXions cards.

Click to read more good practice case studies related to the targeted youth support change process.