Blackburn’s new multi million pound health centre is to include a ‘one stop shop’ catering for a whole range of young people’s needs.
The exciting plans will see the Young People’s Resource Centre developed as a separate area, with its own entrance, in the new health centre which is due to be opened in November.
Plans for the resource centre, a first for the local area, were formulated in response to the need, highlighted nationally and locally, for a more rounded approach to young people’s health needs.
In the new centre, young people will be able to gain access to a whole range of services under one roof covering: contraception and sexual health, mental health, substance misuse and emotional health and well-being as well as other non-health services.
Options for other young people’s services to also be delivered from the building are currently being explored.
A wide range of young people from the borough have played an active part in the design process of the new facilities.
A ‘development group’ of young people have worked with an array of staff including architects, artists, drama teachers and service providers to work towards creating a young people-friendly, easily accessible centre.
This has included, amongst other things, work with design studio Boex on the concept and design of ‘pods’ where young people visiting the centre can relax in a comfortable and calm space.
Sir Bill Taylor, Chairman of NHS Blackburn with Darwen Care Trust Plus Board, said: “As a youth worker for 35 years, most of those spent here in the borough, I know only too well that young people have specific needs when accessing health services which are distinct from adults. This includes a ‘one stop approach’ which minimises the risk of them being stigmatised for accessing a particular service in a particular building.
“To be able to get young people involved in the design process of the new facilities has been a vital part of this project. It is essential that they are at the heart of the development. The centre must make young people feel as comfortable as possible when they visit. Young people have hopes and fears, often not different to older folk, but they often need a different approach or setting to assist with resolving them.”
