For the past 11 years, YEAH! (Youth Empowerment Against HIV/AIDS) have helped countless young people navigate the confusing – and sometime confronting – world of sexual health. As Australia’s only peer focused, youth-led sexual health organisation, their work has always been unique and invaluable. In the last year alone, they directly engaged with over a million young people in community workshops, events and online. With recent reports stating that 75 percent of STIs occur amongst young people, and health authorities warning that number is rising as condom use declines, they are more vital than ever.
Despite this, in April the Federal Government announced that all funding to the program will be cut by the end of the financial year. Their serviced will be pulled and replaced with an online resource. With that deadline approaching the organisation is desperately trying to reverse the decision and are calling on supporters to make their voice heard. The YEAH! team will keep up their presence during July by volunteering their time, but new funding solutions need to be found to keep them onboard permanently. If you want to lend your name to the cause and preserve this vital, positive and inclusive sexual health resource sign their petition here.
Credits
Text Kasumi Borczyk