Ask For Health
Ask for Health provides trusted health information for young people aged 12 to 24
Ask for Health is designed to help you to better understand key health topic areas and the health care system in NSW. It aims to help you have the knowledge, skills and confidence to make decisions in everyday life concerning your health care.
The content covered in Ask for Health has been led by young people and developed in partnership with NSW Ministry of Health to ensure this resource is trustworthy, relevant and evidence based. Ask for Health content is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains current and accurate.
To strengthen health literacy
Our vision is for all young people in NSW to have greater confidence in navigating the health system and their health.
We envision a health system which is inclusive of all young people and communities, that acknowledges and respects their various needs, leading to positive experiences with the health system.
How to build health literacy?
You likely already have the skills you need to build up your health literacy, things like:
Language, literacy and numeracy skills – these skills help you understand health information. Health information is explained using written words, numbers and logic. These important life skills are taught in schools.
Critical analysis skills – the ability to analyse (judge) whether you can trust health information. This involves knowing where health information is coming from and whether it’s a trustworthy source. This involves working out which information is unbiased.
Communication skills – the ability to communicate your needs, questions and concerns with the health professional you are working with, and the ability to ask more questions if you do not understand.
Take control of your health
Developing your health literacy skills empowers you to take control of your health and your healthcare options. Ask for Health supports with
health information on the topics relevant to you
health resources and services lists to help you find support online or near you
understanding what your rights are as a young person, such as the right to confidentiality and healthcare options.
Having reliable health information, resources and an understanding of your healthcare rights can help you decide what is best for you when it comes to your health.
How was the Ask for Health website developed?
At each step of the development of this website, Youth Action has talked to young people, youth workers and health experts.
We travelled around NSW, asking young people about the barriers they face accessing the health system. We also asked them about the health topics that are important to them and how they talk about health.
The website continues to be developed and reviewed in partnership with NSW Ministry of Health and with the input from the young people on the Ask for Health Youth Steering Committee. If you would like to provide feedback on the website, contact us at Youth Action.
