The HSE Youth Health Service (YHS) today celebrated 20 years of providing sexual health support, services, education and information to young people across Cork; with all services provided free of charge.
The YHS started as a pilot service back in 2004 and has supported over 11,000 young people since; providing 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 today (September 20th) 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.
Regional Executive Officer of HSE South West 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.”
Head of Primary Care for HSE Cork Kerry Community Healthcare Priscilla Lynch said:
“Since its initiation as a pilot service in 2004, the Youth Health Service - originally based in Shandon Street Cork and now situated in Penrose House - has continued to develop and establish itself as a much-needed and pivotal service for young people, aged 24 years and under, across Cork.
“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.
“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 021 493 7250, email yhs@hse.ie or see www.mysexualhealth.ie/youth-health-services for information.
Last updated on: 20 / 09 / 2024
