Medway Sexual Health logo

Young people can often feel uncomfortable about going to health services because they think they will be judged or their confidentiality be broken.

Student Health Clinics across Medway offer young people help with health questions or problems at school or college.

These 'young people friendly' services allow students to drop in to see a professional about any health concern at a time and place that is convenient for them. This can help students to avoid health outcomes that could impact negatively on their learning.

What sexual health services are offered?

Where appropriate, Medway Student Health Services offer a range of services including:

• Sexual health advice and contraception including Medway C Card Scheme
• Help to stop smoking
• A listening ear if they are feeling low
• Information about a healthy diet and exercise
• Help with drug or alcohol problems

Following national guidance, the provision of these services is considered best practice across the UK in supporting the health and well being of young people.

Medway Student Health Services are supported by a comprehensive Personal Health and Social Education (PHSE) programme. The provision of PSHE and easy access to young people friendly contraceptive services are key factors in areas with declining teenage conception rates.

Will I be informed if my child accesses these services?

It is legal for young people under 16 to get confidential sexual health advice, information and contraception from professionals at Medway Student Health Services, without their parents/guardian being informed. However, they will always encourage young people to talk to a parent or guardian, or other mature adult where possible. All professionals will make it clear to young people that it's ok to say no to having sex and encourage young people to delay having sex until they are ready.

It is important we ensure that all students have access to convenient, friendly wide-ranging health services so that they achieve the best outcomes. Our priority within schools is to support students in learning and to raise their aspirations. We recognise that providing students with the skills, knowledge and confidence to make positive informed choices will support their health and wellbeing, and be of benefit to their learning.

Young Peoples Assessment

All young people seen at Student Health Clinics are assessed according to the Fraser guidelines, which ensure a young person is able to make an informed choice and consent to contraceptive advice or treatment. The guidelines state that:

• The young person must demonstrate an understanding of the risks and benefits of advice and treatment before it is given
• The professional cannot persuade the young person to inform his or her parents, or inform the parents that the young person is seeking contraceptive advice
• Even if they are under the age of consent, advice and treatment can be given if the young person is very likely to begin, or continue to have intercourse with or without contraceptive treatment
• The professional must also consider whether the young people's physical or mental health or both are likely to suffer if he or she does not receive the advice or treatment
• The professional should give contraceptive advice, treatment or both without parental consent when it is in the young person's best interests

At the end of the consultation the young person will be assessed, and given contraceptive information, advice and services according to their needs.