Medway Council Public Health Directorate has commissioned METRO under the new model of Sexual Health Services. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce our services to you and arrange a meeting to see how we may work in partnership to support the vulnerable young people that you have contact with.
METRO currently deliver five programmes that can be accessed by anyone that works or lives in Medway:
• Get it- Get it is a free condom distribution programme for young people aged 13-24. The service operates the same way the previous C Card did with traditional sites but also allows young people aged 16 to register online and have condoms sent home. (www.getit.org.uk)
• Pit Stop Plus- This is a virtual service aimed at men that have sex with men. This gives men the opportunity to monitor sexual risks and order free home testing kits. (www.pitstopplus.org)
• Boys & Young Men Work- METRO Boys and Young Men Project offers support and advice around sex and relationships for boys and young men. This service is for young men aged between 11-19 years. The service offers information about a range of topics including healthy relationships, condoms and contraception, sexual health testing, domestic violence, fatherhood, attitudes about gender and sexuality and general wellbeing. It also supports boys and young men with clinic attendance. This can be offered as group sessions or one to one.
• Sexual Health Outreach-The Medway Sexual Health Team works with a wide variety of the community. This could be delivering sex education in schools to attending events promoting services. The team also conducts one to ones with young people who maybe displaying sexual inappropriate behaviours. All team members are trained to deliver Get it, Chlamydia Screening and HIV point of care testing.
• Training- METRO currently offer two different training opportunities:
1. Brief Intervention in Sexual Health- This training is 3 ½ hours longs and gives practitioners the opportunity to have those beginning discussions with young people on their sexual health and the laws that surround this. By completing the training the practitioners are also able to deliver, Get it and Chlamydia Screening.
2. CRAASH- CRAASH is more in-depth with 4 modules all covering different aspects of sexual health, gender and identity. Modules are held bi-monthly and by completing all modules, practitioners are given a passport to practice and considered sexual health champions.