Young People's Outreach Service

Our Young People's Outreach Team provides additional Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) support for young people living or studying in Dorset. The service is available to young people aged 13 to 19 years, and up to 25 years for those with a learning disability.

We recognise that some young people may benefit from further support following RSE sessions delivered in school. Our team works with young people to improve their understanding of relationships and sexual health, empowering them to make informed decisions about their wellbeing. We provide impartial, non-judgemental support, even when a young person's choices may differ from the views of professionals involved in their care.

Referrals can be made by school staff, social workers, GPs, parents or carers, healthcare professionals, and others who work with young people. Young people aged 13 years and over may also self-refer and access support directly.

How the Service Works

  1. The referrer discusses the outreach service with the young person, including their goals and what they would like to achieve through the support.
  2. The referrer completes the Sexual Health Education & Outreach Service Referral Form.
  3. Following triage, the referrer will be notified of the referral outcome.
  4. The young person is allocated a Sexual Health Advisor.
  5. The advisor will contact the referrer and subsequently the young person, usually within three weeks.
  6. An assessment is carried out to identify the young person's needs and agree appropriate goals.
  7. A tailored programme of support is then provided.

One-to-One Support

The Young People's Outreach Team offers one-to-one support for young people who require additional guidance relating to sexual health, relationships, and associated behaviours. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, our Sexual Health Advisors provide brief, targeted interventions designed to support positive decision-making and behaviour change.

We can support young people to:

  • Access contraception and sexually transmitted infection (STI) services, either in clinics or within community settings.
  • Develop an understanding of sexual consent and healthy relationships.
  • Explore their rights, responsibilities, expectations, and personal boundaries within relationships.
  • Understand how to reduce risks associated with sexual relationships, including unintended pregnancy, STIs, coercion, and controlling behaviours.
  • Increase awareness of the potential risks and impact associated with pornography.