The School Based Youth Health Nurse (SBYHN) Program is funded by Queensland Health for High School students, their families and carers.
Within this program nurses are employed to work in state high schools with the aim of assisting young people in making a safe and healthy transition to adulthood. Schools are recognised as key settings for promoting the health of young people during a critical period when knowledge, attitudes and behaviours important for life-long health are being learned.
SBYHN’s work to promote awareness within young people of their own health needs, and support the development of healthy lifestyle behaviours and choices. This is done through a combination of individual health consultations, health education and health promotion activities.
A SBYHN is available for confidential consults with students aged 12 and over, their families and carers, as well as staff, and will refer to specialist support agencies if necessary, or provide health information or advice.
The SBYHN can provide health and wellbeing information about:
- healthy eating and physical activity,
- mental health,
- personal or family problems,
- healthy skin,
- sexual health,
- smoking, alcohol and other drugs,
- growth and development, and
- relationships.
Services not provided by the SBYHN:
- medical treatments or first aid,
- physical examinations, and
- ongoing counselling for psychological issues.
Students, parents/carers and staff can self-refer to our SBYHN, Mischa Lawford by emailing mlawf0@eq.edu.au. Alternatively, you can refer if you are concerned about someone else.