Sexual health outreach nurses – What do they do then?
Most areas have at least one dedicated outreach nurse, if you need sexual health advice or help with a sexual health problem then contact your local nurse using the phone numbers to the right of this page. You can text the number and ask the nurse to call you back.
Who do Outreach Nurses work with?
Outreach nurses work with young people between the ages of 13 and 19.
Where do they work?
They don’t work in schools but in outreach places, this means you might find them in many places where young people will be, such as youth clubs or youth projects. They often go to events that young people attend; really you might find them anywhere where young people are!
How do they help young people?
They give information, guidance and support on many sexual health issues. They are able to issue contraception, including emergency contraception (the morning after pill) and always promote condom use to those sexually active young people. They are not about encouraging young people to have sex, it is about making sure that they have all the information they need to make the right choices for themselves, including delaying sexual activity until they are ready. Many young people will ask about issues relating to themselves but also often ask advice on their friend’s behalf. They can work with young people on a one to one basis or as a group depending on the situation. For example group work might be a workshop at an alternative curriculum programme (a place where young people not in school receive education and activity programmes).
Will they tell other people or my parents what we have said?
Their work is confidential and often around sensitive issues. Anything you say is strictly confidential; this means that what you say will not be discussed with anyone, including your parents. The only time they would break this confidence would be if it was thought that the young person was in any danger or being made to do something they didn’t want to do.
I have heard that I can get FREE condoms with a C Card, is this something they do?
Yes, the C Card is specifically for young people between 13 and 19 and allows them to access free condoms at places other than clinics, such as youth clubs and pharmacies. You will need to register for a C Card, which is free and a very easy to do. Any outreach nurse can register young people for their C Card and once they have this they can get free condoms without being asked any questions they just have to show their card at one of the local C Card Access Points. Details of these are available on this website under the C Card section.
How can I get in touch with my local outreach nurse?
You can text or phone us if you have a sexual health problem. All areas have their own dedicated outreach nurse so call the person for your area. Just look under your area on the right hand panel.
Last updated 4/6/2010
