In recent years we have seen a lack of interest in policy and program areas focusing on young people and their primary health. More recently, funding cuts to youth and health services in Queensland have had a dramatic impact on service providers and young people who rely on these services. At the same time, it has been refreshing to see the Metro North Brisbane Medicare Local (MNBML) work in a meaningful way with relevant non-government organisations to engage with specific population groups including marginalised young people.

The collaboration between Youth Affairs Network of Queensland (YANQ) and MNBML allowed an in-depth analysis of contemporary data available as well as exploration of practice wisdom developed over time by local service providers. Young people’s direct voice in this research, as well as their contribution to the validation of various aspects of the research findings, has ensured the authenticity of information presented in the context of young people’s lives.

The research team headed by Mr John Flanagan from How Now Solutions and YANQ (supported by the Queensland University of Technology) has produced one of the most comprehensive reports on young people and primary health services in Queensland. The enthusiasm of young people, youth workers and primary health service providers engaged during this research has given us hope that
the findings and recommendations of this report will play a significant role in planning processes in the Brisbane North region in the years to come.

Click here to download the report or read online below.

In 2011, the Youth Affairs Network of Queensland (YANQ) received a small amount of funding from Queensland Health to undertake research into workforce issues impacting on the capacity of youth workers to engage in sexual health education with marginalised young people.

This report has now been released online - you can download it by clicking here.

Marginalised young people have been consistently identified as a high risk group in relation to sexual health. YANQ received anecdotal feedback that in recent years that youth workers are not engaging with young people and providing them with information and support in relation to sexual health matters. This research seeks to explore what impacts on youth workers’ ability to provide effective interventions around sexual health? What knowledge, skills, resources, value and ethics, training and support is available to youth workers? What do youth workers identify that they need and what workforce development strategies are recommended to enable the youth sector to respond more effectively?