GP Program Advisor

Dr Anne Chirnside

Program officer

Julie Arnall, 5229 1922

Program summary

The Geelong Division of General Practice has implemented a program in the Secondary school system that helps increase youth access to local health services (including GPs). The Docs and Teens workshops increase young people's knowledge of these services, broadening their definitions of health and ill-health.

Barriers between GPs and young people are broken down through the sharing of knowledge and expertise of adolescent health in a way that positively influences their lives. GPs are able to present a more accessible and approachable face to the students as a natural consequence of the relaxed and interactive nature of the activities.

Schools are provided with brochures on visiting a GP, local youth services and Medicare application forms for distribution to students.

The workshops address issues around Medicare and confidentiality, general and sexual health, illicit drug use, harm minimisation, risk and protective factors, communication skills, adolescent health and accessing local health services.

At the end of these workshops students faced with health issues, are better able to recognise their need and access appropriate resources.

Resources

Docs and Teens manual All schools and doctors delivering the Docs and Teens program are provided with a comprehensive folder containing activities and information purpose-linked directly to the recommended health curriculum.

headspace Barwon

For immediate help contact:

• Family GP (doctor)
• Swanston centre 5226 7410
• Lifeline 13 11 14

Links to other websites

the source - a Government website regards youth issues including Government and non Government services, careers, study, money, health, legal rights and more

Sexual health sites:

Family Planning Victoria website. Great for young people regards contraception

High quality websites

YBBlue - Australian depression website for young people

Reachout - covers a variety of issues facing young people

Kids Helpline - website associated with phone support service for kids/young people

Bluepages - good evidence based website on depression

Crufad -good Australian website on anxiety disorders

Australian Drug Information Network

Somazone - provides answers to health and legal issues, produced by Australian Alcohol and Drug Foundation, designed and produced by young people

The Mood Gym - innovative interactive cognitive behaviour therapy site

NIMH - excellent US site on all mental health areas

Headroom - South Australian website re mental health information for young people and professionals

Medical Journal of Australia - articles relating to youth health that can be accessed free back to 1996