Let's talk about sexual health

Findings

Lots of young people complimented the fact that Lewisham has two sexual health clinics dedicated to under 25’s. However, these are only in two of the four neighbourhoods (3&4) and some young people feel that there needs to be a dedicated young person’s sexual health clinic in either the centre or north of the borough.

Reviews of the sexual health clinics in Lewisham were mainly positive, with only a few young people feeling “judged” for using services.

Furthermore, through the Mystery Shopping work, some receptionists were considered to be giving out inaccurate information or the correct amount of advice. It is important that these members of staff are fully trained in signposting and advice services, as they are often the first point of contact for many young people.

Some of the young people were very vocal about who should deliver their  education. A group of young men were unhappy when during education, the female students were taught by a woman and the male session was led by a man. “I never knew my father” one 17 year old explained, “I am used to talking to my mother about such things, so am more comfortable talking to women.” He went on to say that the male teacher focused mainly on the male anatomy and didn’t talk much about the female side of things, which he said was what he was interested to learn about.

The large majority of young people that we spoke to were also unaware of the C-Card scheme (which provides free condoms to 13 to 24 year olds)