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Summary

Today's episode explores the vital role of SWISH, the Somerset-wide integrated sexual health service, in supporting young people's sexual health needs. 

The discussion highlights the challenges faced by young people, including peer pressure, social media influences, and barriers to accessing services. The importance of consent, safeguarding, and collaboration with multi-agency partners is emphasized, along with the need for improved access for vulnerable populations. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future directions for sexual health services and the integration of technology.

You can find out more about SWISH by visiting their website HERE

Reflective Questions for Practitioners:

1. How can we better support young people in navigating misinformation about sexual health, especially from social media platforms like TikTok? 

Reflect on how misinformation impacts young people's understanding of contraception, consent, and healthy relationships. Consider how your team can proactively address this in your practice.

 
2. In what ways can we improve our approach to identifying and responding to signs of child-on-child abuse or exploitation in young people's relationships?
Use this to explore how curiosity, open conversations, and trauma-informed approaches can help uncover hidden safeguarding concerns.

3. How effectively are we working with other agencies (e.g., health, education, police, social care) to safeguard children and young people, and where are the gaps in communication or information sharing?
Reflect on real or hypothetical cases where multi-agency collaboration either succeeded or faced challenges. What systems or practices could be improved?

 
4. How inclusive and accessible are our safeguarding and sexual health services for young people with additional needs or from marginalized groups?
Consider how your service adapts to meet the needs of young people with SEND, those in care, or those facing cultural or societal barriers.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to SWISH and Its Importance
02:41 Understanding Young People's Needs and Pressures
05:08 The Impact of Social Media on Sexual Health
06:51 Barriers to Accessing Sexual Health Services
09:42 Navigating Relationships and Consent
12:10 Addressing Child on Child Abuse
14:08 Safeguarding and Information Sharing Challenges
21:38 Understanding Informed Consent and Exploitation
22:48 Linking SWISH with Support Services
24:00 Engaging Young Voices in Service Development
25:47 Supporting Young People with Additional Needs
27:34 Conversations Around Consent
33:12 Multi-Agency Collaboration in Safeguarding
36:34 Improving IT Systems for Better Communication

Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk

If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at ThePPod@somerset.gov.uk

To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.