Young politicians discuss sexual health issues

REPRESENTITIVES from the various political parties' youth wings in Northern Ireland met last week in St Columb's Park House to discuss their newest topic of concern which they chose to be sexual health issues.

The group consisted of members of Alliance Youth, SDLP Youth, gra Shinn Fin, Young Unionists, the Young Greens and DUP Youth.

The young people heard presentations on the topic from the Western Health and Social Care Trust's Ann Stuart, Brook NI's Mary Crawford and Dr Dirk Schubotz from Queens University's School of Sociology, Social Work and Social Policy.

The young representitves explained that they felt the presentations at the meeting were very useful and that they enjoyed interacting with members of other political youth parties to create a joint approach to dealing with the issue of sexual health.

Speaking on behalf of the Political Youth Wings, Graham Scobie from Alliance Youth said: "The weekend was a fantastic opportunity to interact with other party youth wings. The social interaction was also significant as it allowed for the opportunity to network on a cross-party basis and allow more scope for inter party debate."

He added: "The talks from the speakers were fascinating, and helped equip the group with the practical knowledge to debate the issues surrounding sexual health in an informed manner."

The youths ranging in age from 17-26, come together regularly to discuss common topics of concern. These meetings are funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Previous topics have included suicide and mental health, with the focus being on an issue which can transcend narrow party differences by addressing policy issues of concern for all young people.

The young political representatives now hope to secure future funding to allow the programme to continue.

Programme coordinator Claire McLoughlin said: "Despite my initial worry on them choosing a difficult issue such as sexual health, which saw a range of views put forward at the meetings, the youth wing representatives managed to come to a consensus on what can be a contentious topic.

She continued: "They should be applauded for this, and held up as an example of what can be achieved through rational discussion and cooperation. Hopefully with further funding they can put their joint policy statement into action, and have lobby politicians in Stormont to represent the views of young people."

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