New sexual health & relationships program supports Top End youth

Northern Territory AIDS and Hepatitis Council launches new sexual health and relationships program in Darwin and Katherine

A new trial program model of care and support has launched in response to the Northern Territory’s disproportionately high rates of sexually transmissible infections.

As well as experiences of family, domestic and sexual violence in young people.

The Northern Territory AIDS and Hepatitis Council (NTAHC) has established the new Sexual Health and Relationships Program.

In partnership with the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) and Headspace centres in Darwin and Katherine.

“This is an exciting partner initiative,” said NTAHC Executive Director Genevieve Dally.

“That will address major gaps in sexual health and family, domestic and sexual violence health services,”

“For young people and other marginalised communities in the Top End.”

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Led by young people and peers.

The program has been commissioned by the Northern Territory Primary Health Network (NT PHN).

With funding from the Australian Government’s Department of Health, Disability and Ageing Supporting Recovery pilot program.

“The co-design and co-development feature of the program means the model is led by young people and peers from other priority populations,” said Dally.

“And will result in meaningful engagement that will have a real impact.”

“Wrap-around health services that incorporate comprehensive sexual health education delivered where young people congregate are the key to improving wellbeing outcomes.

“And this program has the capacity to deliver this through a responsive and innovative model of care.”

The clinics will be serviced by a team of nurses, counsellors, Aboriginal health practitioners and peer support workers.

Providing young people aged 12-25 with access to high-quality support on relationship and sexual health needs, screening for family, domestic and sexual violence and sexually transmissible infections testing.

Delivering free, confidential drop-in clinics at headspace centres in Darwin and Katherine, and the new NTAHC clinic space in the Darwin CBD,

These wrap-around clinics will ensure that those accessing services will receive non-judgmental care in a safe space.

Clients will be supported through to appropriate referral pathways that meet their unique needs and help them in their ongoing healing and recovery journey.

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Community education and early intervention support.

In addition to the drop-in clinics, the Sexual Health and Relationships Program will focus on building connections with schools, sports clubs and other places attended by young people and families.

To provide community education and early intervention support about healthy relationships and FDSV more broadly.

“We are delighted to be supporting this very important program with NTAHC, SARC and Headspace,” said NT PHN Acting Chief Executive Officer Jessica Dooley.

“Sexual health and respectful relationships are foundational to the overall well-being of individuals and communities.”

“Through the commissioning of the program, NT PHN is supporting a culturally safe, inclusive and evidence-based approach.

“That empowers Territorians aged 12-25 to make informed, healthy choices.

“This program reflects our ongoing commitment to improving primary healthcare equity across the Northern Territory.

“By investing in education, early intervention and strong community partnerships.”

Delivery of this program will commence soon in Headspace Darwin and Headspace Katherine.

The NTAHC city clinic will commence program delivery later in the year.

The program is funded until 30th June 2026.