Researchers at Aberdeen have carried out an independent evaluation of the impact of a Scottish Executive project to improve sexual health and relationships for young people in Lothian.
Healthy Respect is a multi-agency partnership project bringing together a number of different agencies and organisations
Dr Janet Tucker, Senior Researcher at the University’s of Aberdeen’s Dugald Baird Centre, headed up the evaluation which also involved collaboration with the Scottish Programme for Clinical Effectiveness in Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh.
The summary evaluation report can be seen at: www.abdn.ac.uk/dugaldbairdcentre
To speak to Dr Tucker contact Jennifer Phillips in the University’s Communication Office (01224) 273174.
SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE PRESS RELEASE FOLLOWS:
March 24, 2005
HEALTHY RESPECT ENTERS NEXT PHASE - KERR
More young people in Lothian will have access to better sexual health services and information through the next phase of Healthy Respect, Health Minister Andy Kerr said today.
The second phase will be supported by £1.9 million funding over the next three years and will build on the lessons learned from phase one. It also builds on the national sexual health strategy - Respect and Responsibility.
The evaluation shows that during phase one Healthy Respect has set down strong foundations to improve sexual health and relationships outcomes for young people in Lothian but there is still more to do.
Mr Kerr said: “Improving Scotland’s sexual health is central to our public health agenda. It is not something to be embarrassed about or to shrug off as someone else’s problem.
“By empowering young people with the values of respect and responsibility they will be able to make sensible choices about their own sexual health.
“Since the launch of Healthy Respect in 2001 work has been ongoing in and around 10 schools in Lothian. Healthy Respect has been pivotal in establishing innovative services for and access to hard-to-reach groups. There have been 11 health drop-in centres established during phase one and the evaluation shows they have proved popular with young people.
“Healthy Respect has also delivered improved screening and detection of chlamydia. This was largely achieved through the chlamydia testing programme which resulted in over 10,000 postal testing kits being distributed in a range of retail and youth service outlets across Lothian.
“We are not complacent and know that there is still a considerable amount of work to do in this area.
“I am pleased to announce £1.9 million funding over the next three years to support the implementation of phase two. Sexual health is a crucial area in which Scotland needs to do better and we must learn what works and why with young people in order to make changes for the good. I expect to see this money delivering better services for young people in Lothian.
“Phase two will work in two specific areas of Lothian – across the whole local authority area of Midlothian, and in North-West Edinburgh. In this area those young people in the least well off areas will be targeted.
“It will continue to build on education, information and services for young people. Phase two will continue to encourage youth and parental involvement. We have set four new objectives specific to the next phase.
“The first is to continue to improve education in sex and relationships in schools. As well as the 10 secondary schools involved in phase one, a further nine secondary schools, one special school and 13 primary schools will be involved in phase two.
“I am particular pleased that Healthy Respect and the Catholic Church will be working together to develop appropriate resources and training programme that can be used in Catholic Schools.
“This does not mean anything inappropriate will be taught in schools. All Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) will be suitable to the age and stage of the young people in the class. Healthy Respect will continue to engage with parents over SRE.
“The second objective will specifically look to provide sex and relationship support for young people at risk of poor sexual health outcomes. Traditionally this group would include looked-after-children, disaffected pupils and other vulnerable young people. Healthy Respect will work with social work teams and will look to provide education and service opportunities for this group.
“Access to services is key to improve sexual health outcomes. Through the third objective Healthy Respect will build on its experience in Phase One to provide access to services through health drop-ins and there will be a particular focus on deprived areas.
“The fourth objective is to improve attitudes to sexual health and relationships especially among young people and parents. Healthy Respect will continue to promote their work and the services they provide for young people in the Lothians. There will also be a specific awareness campaign aimed at parents focussing on the need for building family relationships and talking to their children about sexual health.
“There has been a lot of criticism and inaccurate reporting around what Healthy Respect delivers for young people in Lothian.
“Healthy Respect does not encourage young people to have underage sex. It does not provide emergency contraception in schools, nor does it have any plans to do so.
“Healthy Respect’s work encourages young people to delay sexual activity until they are ready and in a mature and loving relationship. The values of respect and responsibility underline all of their work.
“We do not know all the answers to solving Lothian and Scotland’s poor sexual health problems. But through initiatives like Healthy Respect we are learning all the time. These lessons will be widely shared across the country through the Sexual Health and Well-being Learning Network set up for this purpose.”
Brian Cavanagh, Chair NHS Lothian said: "NHS Lothian is firmly committed to improving the sexual health and wellbeing of young people. We are proud to have hosted the first phase of Healthy Respect and are delighted to continue hosting the Project during Phase two."