Services for young people
The Youth Health Service helps young people, parents, teachers and anyone who has concerns about the health or wellbeing of a young person aged between 12 and 24 years old.
Youth Health specialise in providing health awareness, education and support around physical and sexual health and wellbeing. Support is available to help young people independently manage their health and wellbeing and to access appropriate health care within the local community.
Priority is given to young people with multiple vulnerabilities and/or chronic and complex health conditions and other groups at higher risk of poor health. Access to all Youth Health Services is via the social work team, who will refer to specialist youth services with the young person’s consent.
When linked to Youth Health, young people can access holistic healthcare from a range of specialist staff, with a focus on stabilisation, education, care navigation and prevention, and will be supported to access longer-term support options as required. We take a strengths-based, harm minimisation approach that is respectful, safe and supportive of young people. All our staff are youth friendly and non-judgemental.
Services for young people with a chronic illness or disability
Alongside the normal challenges of adolescence, young people with chronic illnesses or disabilities experience episodes of ill health, have to learn to manage their care, and must navigate the transition from paediatric to adult services. Youth Health provides support to young people navigating this transition while linking them to other services from allied health to sexual health, independent living and more.
Community capacity building
Youth Health also provide consultation and advice to agencies and services to ensure that young people can access appropriate and youth-friendly options to support their health and wellbeing. This includes:
- ‘Essential Youth Healthcare Skills’ professional development, suitable for youth workers, community agency staff, healthcare workers in mainstream services – 2 day program available on request.
- Opportunities to partner with Youth Health to deliver youth-friendly health and wellbeing information and awareness sessions such as youth health pop-ups, group presentations, participation in youth events.
- Advice line for General Practitioners.
- Consultation on support for young people with multiple vulnerabilities.
- Health promotion initiatives.
- Training and consultation on culturally appropriate health care for vulnerable Aboriginal youth.
All services are free
If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation or needs urgent medical attention, call Triple Zero (000) or go to the closest Emergency Department. Youth Health is not a specialist mental health service. If you or someone you know needs help with a mental health problem, call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.