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| April 2001 |
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Poverty link with poor health
"The greatest increase in relative poverty has been experienced by young people," he says. Dave Marra says one of the biggest changes delivered by the economic and social reforms of the 1980s and 90s was the impoverishment of young people. Before the reforms, young people tended to be employed, affluent and relatively healthyTwenty years later young people tend to be lower paid, unemployed, or employed in temporary or part-time jobs, poor, indebted and relatively unhealthy. The 198 Youth Health Centre opened its doors at 198 Hereford Street in 1995 to provide free primary health care for young people. Dave Marra says that Education Department research in1995 highlighted that young people put a high priority on privacy, confidentiality and cultural sensitivity when seeking support for health issues. "Young people seeking support from the centre can be assured that privacy, confidentiality and an approach sensitive to differing cultural and ethnic needs is of paramount importance to centre staff," says Dave Marra. The centre provides primary health care to young people aged 10 to 25. Young people are welcomed into the centre by peer supporters. Doctors, nurses and a social worker are available on a drop-in basisCounsellors and a psychologist are available by appointment Midwives are available by appointment or drop-in on Wednesdays between 10am and midday The Centre takes a holistic approach to health issuesThe centre emphasises that mental, spiritual and social health is as important as physical health A range of support services has been developed and includes income and benefit issues, family issues, poverty, housing, education, training, and issues to do with justice and the legal system. Contact: Phone 379 4800 or drop-in between noon and 7pm Mondays and Tuesdays and noon and 6pm Wednesdays to Fridays. Questionnaire |
