In 2018 Youth Action partnered with NSW Ministry of Health to develop a project to improve health literacy amongst young people in NSW. Since then, we have developed a website with health topics and information about young people’s health rights, a youth worker training to help youth workers support young people with their health questions and a peer program for young people – all designed in partnership with young people, the sector and the NSW Ministry of Health.
The Ask for Health website is an online resource designed to increase young people’s independence to navigate the healthcare system in NSW, to help them communicate better with healthcare professionals and build their trust in the system.
The training for youth services aims to build the capacity of workers to have conversations with young people about health topics to help navigate the health system. Youth Action have also trained a group of young people to co-facilitate health literacy workshops. This is a paid opportunity for young people to co-host workshops.
Project Elements
Co-Design
Ask for Health was co-designed with young people to accurately reflect the needs of young people across NSW. Youth Action consulted with young people from rural and remote areas, culturally diverse young people, First Nations young people, young people with disability, young people with chronic illness, and young people doing it tough.
Health Topics
Ask for Health has health information on topics chosen by young people, from sexual health and consent through to how to call an ambulance. All content was reviewed by Ministry of Health experts to ensure accuracy and is updated bi-annually.
Website Development
Youth Action has worked with young people, youth workers and health experts in the development of the website. In our consultations, we asked young people about the barriers they face accessing the health system, health topics that are important to them and how they talk about health with their peers.
Health Literacy
Health literacy is a primary focus of Ask For Health. Improving health literacy can assist young people in navigating the health system and understanding health information provided to them. It is important young people become proactive and confident in managing their own health.
Ask for Health training
The Ask for Health training will aim to train young people in essential health information and how to access health services. Youth Action will also provide training to services that work with young people so support them with health information and accessing the health system.
Get Involved
Youth Sector
Youth Health Services Network
Register to a free training for service providers on how to talk to young people about their health as part of our Ask for Health project. The trainings are designed to run for 2 hours and can be done online or in person.
Young People
Health Literacy Young Person Network
Join our Health Literacy Young Person Network. Get involved with our regular consultations and conversations about health literacy.
Ask For Health Young People Facillitator
Effective communication and collaboration within the team can help harness these qualities and drive the team towards its goals.