- The Goodwood Community Day Centre (CDC) launched its Adolescent and Youth Friendly Services (AYFS) to provide tailored healthcare for adolescents and young adults.
- The initiative aims to create a safe, welcoming environment where youth can access healthcare while also promoting empowerment and leadership through education and support.
- By offering specialized services, the program hopes to bridge the gap between the healthcare system and the unique needs of young people in the Goodwood area.
The Goodwood Community Day Centre (CDC) officially launched its Adolescent and Youth Friendly Services (AYFS) with an inspiring event aimed at empowering young people on Wednesday 9 October.
The new initiative marks a significant step forward in offering youth-focused primary healthcare services to adolescents and young adults in the Goodwood area. Running from 14:00 to 16:00, Monday through Friday, the programme aims to bridge the gap between the healthcare system and the unique needs of this age group.
Parfait Munyemana, a professional nurse at Goodwood CDC, expressed enthusiasm about the launch. “We are launching services that the youth can attend to access primary healthcare tailored for them. We want young people to feel comfortable coming here, knowing that the services are designed with their needs in mind.” For Munyemana and the entire Goodwood CDC team, the AYFS programme represents a targeted effort to reach out to adolescents and empower them to take charge of their health.
Youth empowerment
Naomi Mingo, a health promoter at the clinic, further explained the importance of the initiative. “The Department of Health started this initiative when they identified a gap in young people accessing healthcare services. At Goodwood clinic, we saw the need to reach out to the youth and inform them that we are here to provide comprehensive, youth-friendly healthcare. We’ve created a space where they can walk in and receive quality and friendly services without hesitation.”
Mingo emphasised that the clinic’s services go beyond mere healthcare.
“Our core outcome for this clinic is youth empowerment through education and training. We want the youth to take an active role in their communities as they transition into adulthood. By providing them with the tools they need, we’re not just offering medical care but also helping to build confident, informed young leaders.”
Specialised services for the youth
Jerry Louw from the Spiritual Crime Prevention Department highlighted the changing landscape of healthcare since 2020, noting how critical it has become to provide specialised services for the youth. “Before 2020, something like the flu seemed like a minor issue, but since then, health challenges have taken on new seriousness. Adolescents and youth deal with these pressures, and they often lack the life experience needed to navigate them. This service is designed to bridge that gap, providing a focused, professional approach to their unique needs.”
The broader impact of peer pressure and mental health challenges was also addressed by Colleen Schoeman, a Victim Support member at Goodwood police.
“In today’s society, peer pressure plays a big role, especially among youth. This can lead to them not being as open with parents and family members as they used to be,” Schoeman said.
She explained that by providing an open-door policy at the clinic, the AYFS service offers a safe, non-judgmental space where young people can seek advice and help.
Difference in many young lives
Schoeman added that this type of environment allows the youth to open up more easily to healthcare professionals. This open-door policy could make a significant difference in many young lives, even saving them.
Maxine Julies, another Victim Support member at Goodwood Police, echoed these sentiments.
“The AYFS will ensure that the youth receive relevant, tailored services to address the challenges they face.”
Mingo concluded the launch by expressing her hopes for the future of AYFS at Goodwood CDC.
“Our hope is that by offering this service, the youth will feel comfortable voicing their challenges, allowing us to improve the quality of care we provide. This is just the beginning, and we are committed to making a real difference in their lives.”
