HAZ Sexual Health Strategy

Sexual Health and Well-being has been a recurring theme in HAZ since the establishment of the organisation in 1999. The current HAZ inititiative on Sexual Health has its beginnings in the publication in 2002 of the Sexual Health and Well-being: A Strategy for Young People in North and West Belfast.

The six key objectives in the Strategy are to:-

Ensure that children and all young people have access to high quality Relationships and Sexuality Education appropriate to their age and needs;
Increase the availability and accessibility of sexual health services which meet the needs of young people;
Ensure that young people have access to accurate information through existing and innovative methods of information dissemination;
Promote a social climate which is supportive of young people and their sexual health needs;
Encourage research on sexual health services and education initiatives aimed at young people; and
To encourage evaluation and promote good practice in the field.

Implementing the Strategy

It is expected that in general, this strategy will seek to influence existing resources, rather than place demand for new resources. The Sexual Health Project Board, (Chaired by HAZ Leader Mary Black and comprising representatives from key statutory, voluntary and community organisations including young people) was set up in January 2005, to manage the implementation of the Action Plan. Two sub-groups are currently working alongside the Project Board. They currently address the issues of services and education.

In autumn 2005 Beth Gilhooly, Sexual Health Project Co-ordinator was appointed. Working with members of the Project Board, Beth is responsible for day to day implementation of the Sexual Health Strategy. Beth is based in Cupar Street and may be contacted on 028 9032 0840 ext 225 or by email on elizabeth.gilhooly@belfasttrust.hscni.net

Policy Documents and HAZ Reports

Draft Sexual Health Promotion Strategy, DHSSPSNI (2003).

Sexual Health and Well-being: A Strategy for Young People in North and West Belfast. Summary document HAZ (2007) Click here

" How Is It For You" Survey of the Sexual Health Services Needs of Young People in North and West Belfast (HAZ) 2007 Click here

"How Is It for You" Executive Summary (HAZ) 2007 Click here

RSE: Making it a Reality (HAZ) 2008, Full report, 50pp Click here

RSE: Making it a Reality (HAZ) 2008 Report Summary, Click here