YHS marks 20 years of providing free sexual-health support to young people in Cork 

The HSE Youth Health Service (YHS) has marked its 20th year of providing sexual-health support, services, education, and information to young people across Cork for free.

The YHS is the only service of its kind in Ireland. It started as a pilot in 2004 and since has supported 11,000 young people, and has provided 88,000 appointments and sessions.

Staff and other stakeholders gathered at the newly-refurbished YHS in Penrose House, in Cork City, to mark the anniversary and watch regional executive officer of HSE South West, Dr Andy Phillips, unveil a commemorative plaque.

“This is a valuable resource for the young people of Cork to have on their doorstep. It’s so important that young people have services that are compassionate and non-judgemental,” Dr Phillips said.

“I know that contraception, unplanned pregnancies, and STIs are difficult to discuss with family, or their GP.

“Many young people in Cork are far away from home and their usual GP, so it’s vital to have access to these services. I’m very pleased that the HSE provides these for free.”

The YHS offers a range of services at Penrose House, including STI screening, a contraceptive clinic, unplanned pregnancy counselling, pregnancy testing, information and support, and post-termination medical checks and counselling.

It also offers one-to-one youth work support for sexual-health education and information, drug and alcohol support, and counselling and sexual health-related counselling.

Youth health service manager, Geraldine Gannon, said that the YHS is for people aged 23 years and under, with people aged 16 and over able to consent to access the service without parental/guardian input, though there are times when young people would like their parent/guardian to be involved, and the centre will support them with this.

Head of primary care for HSE Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, Priscilla Lynch, added, “We are now seeing generational attendance; parents who attended the service when it was based on Shandon Street are now bringing their children into YHS and speak so positively of their experience.

“The amazing revamp of the premises really removes any clinical feel; it’s very modern, welcoming and accessible.”

The Youth Health Service can be contacted on 021 4937250, by email at yhs@hse.ie, or at www.mysexualhealth.ie/youth-health-services.