88,000 appointments and sessions over 20 years!

The HSE Youth Health Service (YHS) recently celebrated 20 years of providing unique sexual health support, services, education and information to young people across Cork

All services are provided free of charge by the service, which started as a pilot service back in 2004 and has supported more than 11,000 young people since. It has provided approximately 88,000 appointments and sessions to young people over the past 20 years. It is the only service of its kind in Ireland.

There are a wide range of free dedicated services under one roof at Penrose House in Cork city, to meet the needs of young people in the area of sexual health, including:

· General advice and support in relation to sexual health

· STI screening/clinic

· Contraceptive clinic

· Unplanned pregnancy counselling

· Pregnancy testing, information and support

· Post termination medical checks and counselling

· One-to-one youth work support for sexual health education and information

· Drug and alcohol support and counselling

· Sexual health-related counselling

Staff and other stakeholders users gathered last Friday at the newly-refurbished Youth Health Service in Penrose House to mark the 20th anniversary and watch the Regional Executive Officer of HSE South West, Dr Andy Phillips, unveil a commemorative plaque.

Dr Andy Phillips said: “I am delighted to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Youth Health Service today and to meet the dedicated staff who are rightly proud of the work that happens here. This is a valuable resource for the young people of Cork to have on their doorstep.

“It's so important that young people have services that are compassionate and non-judgemental. I know that contraception, unplanned pregnancies and STIs are difficult to discuss with family, or their GP. Many young people in Cork are far away from home and their usual GP, so it's vital to have access to these services. I’m very pleased that the HSE provides these for free.”

Youth Health Service Manager Geraldine Gannon said: “The Youth Health Service is for young people aged 23 years and under, once you start secondary school, right, up until your 24th birthday you can avail of the many services available here. Young people aged 16 years and over can consent to access the service themselves without parental/guardian input, although there are times when young people would like their parent/guardian to be involved - and we will support you with this.

“We are a non-judgemental, informal, friendly and supportive service for young people with a team of professionals who are extremely dedicated and committed. We are very proud to be celebrating 20 years supporting young people with their sexual health needs,” she said.

Head of Primary Care for HSE Cork Kerry Community Healthcare Priscilla Lynch said: “We are now seeing generational attendance - parents who attended the service when it was based on Shandon Street are now bringing their children into YHS and speak so positively of their experience. This shows how the positive impact of the service on these parents has the knock-on benefit of promoting sexual health,” she added.

“The amazing revamp of the premises really removes any clinical feel; it's very modern, welcoming and accessible. I know that a huge number of referrals also come from word-of-mouth between friends and that says it all; but we want everyone to know that such a fantastic service is available for young people.”

The Youth Health Service can be contacted on 021-4937250, email yhs@hse.ie or see mysexualhealth.ie/youth-health-services for information.