Adolescents and young people: Safer Sex in The Sticks and Beyond Project
Final Report: Safer sex in the sticks and beyond project
The safer sex in the sticks and beyond project was a partnership between CERSH and the Swan Hill District Health Service which was completed in 2010. The goal and objectives of the ‘SSITS and beyond’ project were building on the strengths and learning’s of the original ‘Safer Sticks In The Sticks’ project (2008) and modifying these as needed to suit the Indigenous community of Swan Hill and the Robinvale community. The strong consumer engagement strategies were the focus of the project, working with local young people to develop social marketing tools while providing education on sexual health. Access to condoms and to STI testing was also a strong focus involving partnerships with local council, health service providers and educators. Swan Hill Rural City Council approved the installation of the four condom vending machines in two public locations. The vending machines were placed in the female and male toilets in both venues. To demonstrate effectiveness of the interventions, evaluation was carried out to compliment the key performance indicators of the original project, permitting comparison as well as further exploration of the interventions transferability.