COG 2 are continuing to support a number of priorities linked to healthy living practices in Conwy and supported ‘Screening for Life’, ‘Flu Campaign’ and the following smoking cessation initiatives; ‘Stoptober’ in Conwy County Borough workplaces, the British Heart Foundation ‘Stop Smoking Day’ and the ‘Quit for you and Quit for Them’ campaign.
Smoking brief intervention training and alcohol prevention training has been delivered to professionals working with clients who want to quit smoking or reduce their alcohol intake. The majority of attendees strongly agreed that the training met their expectations. Participants highlighted some of the following comments;
“I work as an OT and recently ‘OT News’ had a featured article re: role of OT to aid smoking cessation – very timely – feel able to apply taught techniques!”
“Really good, thought provoking course”
“I learnt so much today and feel I have gained a much better understanding of the difficulties faced with stopping smoking”
“Alcohol scratch card are a great resource”
Conwy Youth Council chose sexual health as a priority and have worked with COG 2, a survey was sent out to schools and colleges on sexual health provision and education and over 500 responses were received. A number of questions were asked about different themes including information, contraception interaction with professionals and education;
“Do you have any ideas about what would make you more comfortable with going to see medical professionals about your sexual health?”
- Be more certain of confidentiality (31) 36%
- No communal waiting area or faster waiting times (12) 14%
- Same gender Doctor (11) 13%
- Relaxed Doctor (9) 10%
- Going alone (5) 6%
- Going with friend or family (6) 7%
- Non-judgemental Doctor (5) 6%
- Make it a more open subject, talk about it in education (4) 5%
The main perception identified by the young people was confidentiality issues, the Conwy Youth Council produced a poster and this has been shared with schools, pharmacies and GP Surgeries, a short film has been produced following their journey and is available on YouTube: