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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.
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