Sex, Drugs and Young People

NHS Western Isles recently hosted several training events in Uist and Barra focusing on young people’s drug use and the impact it can have on their sexual and reproductive health.

The training, previously held in Lewis and Harris during 2023, was well attended by colleagues and partners from health and social care, Police Scotland, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Education and Children’s Services, Scottish Ambulance Service, and the Third Sector.

Course participants were provided with the knowledge to understand why some young people may use drugs, recognise the signs and symptoms when people are under the influence of substances, whilst also giving them a better understanding of the risks to the user’s sexual wellbeing, including acknowledging and preventing victim blaming in vulnerable situations like assault.

Colum Durkan, NHS Western Isles Director of Public Health, said “This training is important for helping staff and partners see the importance of their role in delivering key harm reduction messages, as well as ensuring early sexual health interventions are provided in many different settings."

Feedback was extremely positive, with all participants stating that they were more informed about drug use and the impact on sexual health.

In addition, participants also stated that due to the course, they had an increased confidence in speaking with young people about their drug use, and know how best to support them to access sexual health services.

For further information on sexual health training please contact Isabel Steele, NHS Western Isles Senior Health Improvement Officer, by emailing: isabel.steele@nhs.scot