Building an integrated support system for young people’s sexual health and wellbeing : Strengths, challenges and future directions for the non-government sector

James, Alexandra and Power, Jennifer and Duffus, Bridie and Read, Samantha and Callaghan, Sheena and Reinsborough, Laurianne and Farrugia, Adrian and Waling, Andrea and Bourne, Adam (2025) Building an integrated support system for young people’s sexual health and wellbeing : Strengths, challenges and future directions for the non-government sector. [Report]

Abstract

This report outlines the role of non-government organisations in supporting young people’s sexual health and wellbeing in Australia. We conducted a desktop review of 61 organisations delivering 501 distinct programs, services or resources related to young people’s sexual health, alongside in-depth interviews with 41 individuals working across the field. Our findings show that non-government organisations play a central role in supporting young people’s sexual health and wellbeing. They deliver a wide range of programs and services, from school-based, parent and community education to clinical care, health promotion, advocacy, capacity building and resource development. However, this work takes place in a challenging landscape. Responsibility for young people’s sexual health is dispersed across multiple sectors and government departments, with no national strategy or framework to set direction, define objectives or establish accountability. This potentially results in gaps in services and programs or missed opportunities for greater efficiency. In addition, funding for sexual health programs is often short term and project based. This limits capacity for long-term planning, workforce development and relationship building, all of which are vital for effective service and program delivery. Non-government organisations bring essential expertise, relationships and skills to the field of sexual health, yet without coordinated strategy, long-term investment and recognition of their role, their capacity to deliver sustained impact is constrained. Addressing these issues will require stronger governance, clearer accountability and a long-term vision that recognises young people’s sexual health as integral to overall health and wellbeing.