On the 2nd of May, the Centre for Adolescent Health engaged with Nurse Practitioner, Dot Henning and Clinical Nurse Consultant, Stuart Cook in an informative presentation on the work of Young People’s Health Service (YPHS).
About
Established in 1991, YPHS provides primary health care and strategic health interventions to homeless and/or marginalised adolescents and young adults aged 12-24 years.
Working under a social model of health (view their project logic plan) YPHS contend homeless and/or marginalised young people have poorer health outcomes than their housed peers and are likely to have greater difficulty accessing appropriate health services.
Aiming to provide primary health care for all homeless (or at risk of homelessness) as well as marginalised youth, YPHS work alongside Frontyard Health Services (Melbourne City Mission) on King Street Melbourne and offer a variety of services including; preventative health advice, the treatment of skin conditions, support with drug and alcohol issues, immunisations, the screening of sexually transmissible infections, the organisation of refuge accommodation as well as emotional and mental health support among many other things – all for free!.
Homeless and/or marginalised youth are encouraged to reach out to YPHS (or drop in during clinic hours) and are assessed using the HEADSS psychological health tool. Once assessed, an overview that includes the identification of points for intervention takes place. Any young person seeking healthcare will be linked to the service.
Contact
Young People’s Health Service
Young People’s Health Services: (03) 9611 2409
Frontyard Youth Services, 244 Flinders Street, Melbourne
Frontyard reception: (03) 9611 2411