To our youth: Let’s keep you healthy to help you reach your goals

Being a young person brings many new opportunities: making decisions about your style, picking subjects in school that could shape your career, new relationships with people, figuring out who you are and what you stand for. It's exciting for many, but sometimes having so much freedom and responsibility can feel overwhelming; and many young people may experience problems at home or within their families.

The good news is you don’t have to deal with these experiences on your own. June is Youth Month, but at the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, we believe that every day is a chance to connect with our young people. This is why we have dedicated clinics for all youth.

As we celebrate Youth Month, we want to remind you that there are free and confidential services waiting for you at your local clinics.

We know that many young people might feel nervous about going to clinics and are often worried about being judged, but Dr. L’oreal Snyders, who works with young people in Belhar and Delft, wants you to know that help is available to you. “I get it, walking into a clinic can feel scary,” she says. “Our staff are trained to make you feel welcome and comfortable. Whether you need to talk to someone about your mental health or you are looking for contraceptives such as the morning after pill or the pill or injection, we are here to support you and help you make smart choices. Our aim is to keep you healthy and help you protect your future, so you can chase after whatever dreams you have, whether that's being a teacher, lawyer, accountant - your health is the key to reaching those goals.”

In recent years, we've seen the opening of several youth-friendly clinics in the Northern and Tygerberg sub-districts. Zelah Dodgen, a mental health counsellor who works closely with young people in Ruyterwacht, Bellville, Ravensmead, Belhar and Parow, highlights the positive impact these clinics have had. “Some of our youth solely attend and access services at our youth clinics during allocated hours, while others access services at the respective clinics during normal operating hours. In addition to receiving referrals from schools, we also receive self-referrals directly from our youth, parents, social welfare organisations and allied health professionals. Our youth comes from diverse backgrounds and often need assistance in dealing with stress - whether it's related to school, relationships, or challenges at home. If you are a young person seeking this kind of support, please know that we are here for you. Drop by your local clinic or give us a call to schedule an appointment. And remember, your privacy is paramount; anything you share with us remains confidential.”

To celebrate Youth Month this year, clinics in the Northern and Tygerberg sub-districts have hosted outreaches to youth amid school holidays. The Durbanville and Fisantekraal community day centres invited young people to attend wellness days where they could access free services and participate in wellness talks, while the Delft Community Health Centre joined hands with local partners to create awareness around their youth-friendly clinic with youth in attendance. 


Services available to you at our Youth-Friendly clinics

Our primary healthcare facilities offer a comprehensive package of care to all people. For our youth, these services include, but are not limited to:

• HIV counselling, testing, treatment (including PrEP and PEP)

• Mental health service (support to deal with stress and anxiety)

• TB screening and counselling

• Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening and counselling

• Pregnancy tests, birth control and morning after pill (emergency contraceptives)

• Condom distribution at all clinics

• Termination of pregnancy referral

• Cancer screening services, including pap smears 


Where to find your nearest youth-friendly clinic in the Northern and Tygerberg sub-districts

If you are a young person hoping to access care, you can drop by your clinic by making an appointment. However, many clinics have dedicated hours for young people. Remember, you can still visit your clinic outside of these hours, visit one of the clinics below or find your nearest clinic here: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/directories/facilities/944
 

Remember, you are not alone. Our youth-friendly teams are ready to support you!