The HPA recognises the importance of promoting the health of young people as, in Northern Ireland, 41% of our population is under the age of 25. Young people may have particular lifestyles and behaviours that put their health and wellbeing at risk. The sexual health and mental health needs of young people are two of the main areas that the Agency is addressing. The Agency recognises the rights of young people to information about health and supports their ability to access relevant health services.

Underpinning all of this work is the principle of targeting social need (TSN). This reflects the Agency's commitment to comply with the Government's mandate of new TSN. The Agency aims to support all those who work to promote health by tackling inequalities. We also seek to ensure that young people are given relevant information and encouragement to make healthy choices about their lifestyle. One method of achieving this is through closer links with schools.

Our priorities for action within this area are currently determined by the role which the Agency is best suited to play in delivering the health promotion objectives and targets contained in the current public health strategy, Investing for health. The Agency will work towards the targets soon to be released, which are stated in Myths and reality, a consultation document to address the issues around teenage pregnancy, and also Minding our health, the draft strategy for promoting the mental and emotional health of the people of Northern Ireland.