Thurrock’s students have stepped into the spotlight this week having created a new video promoting sexual health services available for young people.

Officially launched on May 24, the video stars students from Ortu Gable Hall School talking about the various sexual health and contraceptive services available in Thurrock.

The video was launched as part of a unique partnership between the students and Thurrock Council Public Health Team through the Thurrock’s Next Top Boss (TNTB) programme 2017/18, to both promote the services available and help reduce the stigma and embarrassment associated with accessing these services.

Following feedback from the Thurrock Youth Cabinet in 2017 which indicated a lack of awareness of sexual health and contraception service, a business case for an age-appropriate video on the local services was briefed to the TNTB team.

The Public Health team were so impressed with the video produced that they commissioned its production in April 2018, tying in with the launch of a new sexual health provider, Provide – Thurrock Sexual Health Service.

To celebrate the launch of the video more than 1,500 students from Gable Hall School came together to watch it, sparking a conversation about the local services available.

A student from Gable Hall said: “We really appreciated being asked to make an informative video for sexual health services in Thurrock.

"It’s so nice to know that our thoughts and opinions are valued and we have been given a say in how best to promote services to our age group.

"Although we did not win TNTB it’s such a rewarding feeling to know we have helped spread such important health messages and left a legacy.”

Councillor James Halden Portfolio Holder for Education and Health added: “The successful launch of this video is a great example of the council working with local students to create something innovative for our young people. By working with our young people we are able to deliver something that should resonate across the borough and help them to access the services available to them.”

To watch the video, visit www.thurrocksexualhealthservice.org.uk/news/2018/raising-awareness-of-sexual-health/