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Fuse working in partnership to improve young people’s sexual health

22 November 2013

 

October’s Fuse Quarterly Research Meeting (QRM), held at the Research Beehive, Newcastle University, focused on 'young people and sexual health: research, participation and action'.

Expertly chaired by Dr Guy Pilkington, GP and chair of Newcastle West Clinical Commissioning Group, the QRM had two high-profile national keynote speakers. Professor Kevin Fenton, National Director for Health and Wellbeing, Public Health England spoke on 'investing in our future citizens.' Roger Ingham, Professor of Health and Community Psychology and Director from the University of Southampton, gave a presentation entitled, 'Young people and sexual health: time for a stocktake.' In addition, delegates could choose from five workshops, each facilitated by skilled, experienced facilitators.

The organisers were Dr Mandy Cheetham and Fuse Knowledge Exchange Broker Avril Rhodes (both of HSCI); HSCI Director Professor Janet Shucksmith; Ann McNulty from the Health and Race Equality Forum in Newcastle; Dr Gill Turner, consultant paediatrician from Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust; and Liz Todd, Professor of Educational Inclusion, Newcastle University.

Dr Mandy Cheetham said: 'The event brought people together from across organisational and disciplinary boundaries to share what we know works to improve the sexual health of young people, based on the most reliable research and practice.

'Four key messages came out of this. We should use evidence of what works to make a difference to young people. We should involve young people in commissioning of young people’s sexual health services. We should target young people who face additional barriers to access. Lastly, young people, service providers and academics should develop jointly agreed research proposals.'

The QRM attracted 90 professionals from across the North of England, including commissioners and leaders in public health, sexual health service providers, managers, voluntary and community sector organisations and academics. Feedback indicates that it was a resounding success.

Kevin Kenton (@ProfKevinFenton) wrote: 'Thank you! Fantastic being with you all at the #ypsexualhealth conference in #Newcastle. Great passion and commitment.'

Ellsmth? (@elliekins8) wrote: '@fuse_online thanks for an informative and inspiring event on yp and sexual health. Always good to be in a room full of likeminded people!'

Jane Roberts? (@Jane_0308) wrote: 'Excellent context setting talk by Kevin Fenton, lead 4 Health & Wellbeing PHE @ Fuse event Newcastle #ypsexualhealth. New opportunities exist.'

Rebecca Say ?(@beccysay) wrote: '@ProfKevinFenton making a strong case for the need for a new innovative vision for health and wellbeing #ypsexualhealth.'

Claire Norman? (@clairenorms) wrote: 'At @fuse_online research meeting on young people and sexual health. Good to hear someone from @PHE_uk has young people on the agenda' and 'Sexual health also includes pleasure, fulfilment and intimacy! Says director of Southampton sexual health research centre #ypsexualhealth.

To catch up with all the action that took place on Twitter check out the #ypsexualhealth hashtag.

Further details of the QRM, including the programme, keynote presentations and a summary of the research gaps identified by delegates are available on the Fuse website.


 
 
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