Mystery shoppers target Stratford sexual health services
Young mystery shoppers have this month been testing Stratford’s sexual health services on behalf of Warwickshire’s Respect Yourself Campaign.
A group of students from Stratford High joined the Warwickshire County Council-led partnership for two weeks work experience.
Following four days of extensive training in relationships, sexual health and sexual health services, they visited a number of organisations including GP practices, pharmacists providing emergency contraception, and specialist sexual health services.
Using guidance from the Department of Health’s ‘You’re Welcome’ quality criteria, they scored each service on things like length of waiting times, availability of services and types of facilities.
Services that passed will be awarded a ‘young person friendly’ window sticker. Those that just miss out will be offered support to make improvements and will be re-visited at a later date.
Results from the exercise are expected to be out later this year and will be shared among the organisations involved.
Helen Fielden, Respect Yourself Campaign co-ordinator, said: “The exercise provides valuable information for us regarding the county’s sexual health services, and also gives the mystery shoppers the chance to learn new skills.
“They have done a fantastic job – they researched services in Stratford district, prepared scenarios to test out during appointments or drop in sessions, and followed it up with a report on their experiences.
“The outcomes of the fortnight will help shape sexual health services for other young people in the future, so we would like to thank them for their help. We’re also really grateful to staff at Stratford Connexions for their support and hospitality”
The young people also found the exercise valuable, one said: “I’ve gained a lot more confidence and I didn’t actually know how many services were available to young people. “
While another added: “I found it really interesting and we’re actually making a difference which I thought was fun.”
To find out more about Warwickshire’s Respect Yourself Campaign or for more information regarding relationships and sexual health, visit http://www.respectyourself.info.