It’s time to ‘TALK ABOUT’ young people and their health

Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN is asking young people aged 12-24, parents and carers, and health professionals in the region to ‘TALK ABOUT’ young people and their health.

In the Darling Downs and West Moreton, young people aged 12-24 represent more than 100,000 people in the region, with 9 in 10 young people attending their local general practice during the year.

The PHN currently funds local, culturally appropriate mental health, physical health (including sexual health), alcohol and other drug services for young people.

The services are primarily aimed at increasing access to evidence-based early intervention services to reduce the prevalence and impact of mental health conditions.

Through a short confidential online survey, young people can provide feedback on their experience, including barriers to accessing care, by visiting www.ddwmphn.com.au/talk-about.

The PHN launched their community engagement campaign ‘TALK ABOUT’ at the beginning of 2020 as a way of asking the community about their experience with primary healthcare in the region.

Every three months, the PHN runs a topic of focus and asks participants through an online survey to talk about what they think is working well, and what they think could be done better.

The current topic – young people and their health – explores prevalent health-related concerns for young people in the region, where to go for help or information, and barriers for accessing support.

“Supporting the mental and physical health and wellbeing of children and young people in our region is a priority for our PHN,” said Darling Downs and West Moreton CEO, Lucille Chalmers.

“Our role is to support in the planning and commissioning of youth services to support young people with their mental health and wellbeing, physical health, and alcohol and other drugs,” said Ms Chalmers.

This TALK ABOUT topic will support the PHN’s understanding of healthcare service experiences from young people’s perspectives.

“We want to hear first-hand what is working well, and what can be done to make things better,” said Ms Chalmers.

Feedback received through the ‘TALK ABOUT’ campaign will be used to inform the PHN’s Health Needs Assessment (HNA). The HNA identifies and informs priorities and opportunities for the region by bringing together information from the community, health services and workforce.

The short confidential online survey is currently open and will close at midnight on Wednesday, 6 September 2023. To complete the survey, visit www.ddwmphn.com.au/talk-about.