A pilot program run in the Cessnock region is making a real difference to the health of young people.

The ‘One Stop Shop’ program began in 2002 as a partnership program between Hunter New England Health, the Department of Education and Training and youth services in the Cessnock area.

The program aimed to improve the health and well-being of young people attending three local state high schools.

HNE Health Director of Health Promotion Karen Gillham said mental health issues and the use of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs can contribute to poor health outcomes in young people.

“These risks can be reduced by increasing a student’s sense of feeling supported by family, school and community, along with increasing a student’s ability to cope with negative life events.

“The program included implementation of health and well-being planning model based on the assessment of student needs, a dedicated support officer embedded within the schools, funding for teacher release time, and a number of other resources and tools to support sustainable health and well-being initiatives,” Ms Gillham said.
 
Approximately 4,000 students in Years 7-10 were surveyed between 2002 and 2006 about their alcohol, tobacco and other drug use.

The results of the trial program indicate risky health behaviour significantly decreased from 2002 to 2006. In particular fewer students are choosing to consume alcohol, smoke cigarettes or use other drugs.

These results included a 20 per cent reduction in the proportion of students who had one or more drink in the past three months, a 23 per cent decrease in the number of students that had ever smoked and a nine per cent reduction the proportion of students who used marijuana in the past three months.

Principal of Cessnock High School Mr Ian Scanlon said the One Stop Shop project has been an outstanding success at his school.

“This has been a whole of school approach to the welfare of students. We’ve seen   positive rewards that have made a real difference for our students. We’re looking forward to using this model for our students for many years to come.”

HNE Health and the Department of Education plan to work with a number of other schools within the Hunter New England Health region using this model and data.

Contact: Tanya Carlyle

Phone: 0428 112 028