Dr Aniva Lawrence

NZ Youth – National Youth Survey 2007

Most students report they are happy with their family relationship and that they have parents that care about them a lot.

Most like school and feel they are part of their school

Almost all students have friends and most involved in their communities

Spiritual beliefs are import to about 1/3 of students

Marked improvement in mental health concerns since 2001, improvement in drug and alcohol use since 2001

Sexual health behaviours are unchanged since 2001

Some improvement in Nutrition and Physical behaviours

Alternative Education Students ‘09 A different picture is painted:

High level of socio-economic deprivation

Over half of students live in single parent families or no family

Still feel connected to AE and most report that teachers care a lot about them

High levels of transiency and more difficulty accessing healthcare, higher rates of mental health concerns, sexual activity and pregnancy

Large number caring for a family member with illness

Northland Total pop 2006 Maori 2006

Northland Youth 2007 data 72% of youth live in rural areas (compared to 15%

nationally)

Connection to family and school was similar nationally

Higher numbers of youth overweight than nationally

Higher numbers of youth drinking alcohol and binging than national results

Cannabis use was higher than cigarette use (25% vs 18%)

Exposure to and participation in violence significant (41% of youth assaulted in the last 12mths, 20% witness to violence in their homes)

Sexual health behaviours similar nationally

Local Research Results SBHC – 1079 youth attended during 2010

3516 consultations occurred for these youth

68% of youth accessing SBHC were Maori, the largest group to access were Maori aged 14-16.

SBHC –significant proportion of numbers of Maori that are at attending and remaining engaged.

Mainstream Providers – 1269 youth attended during 2010 3726 consultations occurred for these youth

NZ Europeans aged 20-24 were the largest group to access mainstream primary care in 2010. Only 22% of the youth presenting were Maori

Presenting conditions for Youth

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

School based Health clinic

Mainstream GP clinic

Kaitaia

“It’s the only thing in town that is just for us” Kaitaia College

Student about the Kaitaia Adolescent Health Centre, 2009

14 yr old Maori Male Came in to school based clinic with mum –she was concerned

about him being tired – wanting a full check up, physical and bloods done - no apparent cause of fatigue from these but….

No goals educationally, non smoker but using cannabis daily – stopped playing rugby this year, sexually active but protected, nil low mood or suicidal ideation, had ridden in car with father when he was drunk – mum got him back into rugby, linked into male mentoring program within school, declined drug counsellor

Saw 12 yr old brother 2 weeks later – mum wanting me to check his varicose veins, wants to go to uni, playing rugby, being bullied but older brother sticking up for him – hx of suicidal thoughts –mainly around historical bullying by brother and father letting him down. Close to mum. Referred to guidance counsellor

Touch poll

12.89% 10.94%

49.22%

34.77%

26.56% 27.34%

0.00%

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%

50.00%

60.00%

friendlier reception more privacy and confidential

free open at weekend open later at night no appointment necessary

Combined PDA / Tablet: Which improvements would you choose to improve your health service provider? (Choose TWO)

Touch poll

53.39%

17.93%

2.39% 4.38% 7.57%

4.78% 3.59% 5.98% 0.00%

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%

50.00%

60.00%

texting facebook these computer polls

group feedback school health councils

Youth Health website for Northland

local radio local newspapers

Combined PDA / Tablet: The best way to communicate how services are going or future changes you might like is by:

Examples of free text…

Better information “For youth to be noticed more, than adults getting

everything” “Health is a really important part of life and its good that

we have a say in how to improve the community” “involved in the schools is the best way to get to youth” “My last experience wif da dr was nt vry productive cos im

very shy and require time 2 express myself. The dr didn’t take time 2 listen 2 me. I am young and have a disability”

“When last admitted to hospl a Maori liaison person came 2 c me and tht ws gr8 cause I have a strong connxn wif my culture and it made me feel realy comfortble n @ ease”

BC Child and Youth Friendly Initiative

Supporting youth and their parents

Treat with respect and dignity

Ensuring the safety and health of youth

Providing access and promoting diversity

Teaching empowerment and leadership skills

Exploring nature and living things

View your community through the eye’s of Youth

Northland Youth Theatre Northland youth development trust Sport’s Clubs, Church groups, Iwi organisations Te Oranga The Pulse Youth Transition Services 123 clinics School based health centres Skate parks (2 Whangarei, 1 Kerikeri, 1 Kaitaia) Dance crews Kapa Haka / Te Tai Tokerau Festival

Media – Internet, News Future events for this year:

Recent articles:

Maori Youth (15-24) Unemployment rates 8.2% in Northland

Selectors notice teen’s talent, Proud of young Warrior

Whangarei Youth spread the word on Channel North

Sculpture toppled in Whangarei Mall

17 arrests following cup game

Funding cuts threaten Kaikohe Jam future

Hei aha te mea nui o te ao, maku e ki atu, he tangata, he tangata, he tangata