The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognised the importance of the setting in which health services are delivered to young people, as they may be deterred by issues relating to accessibility and acceptability.

In summary, the WHO framework for the development of youth-friendly health services highlights that an accessible service will:

• have convenient working hours and a convenient location
• keep young people informed about the range of services available to them
• involve young people in reaching out with health services to others in the community.

At the point of delivery, an acceptable service will:

• ensure privacy – including discrete entrance
• ensure consultations occur in a short waiting time
• lack stigma
• have a clean and appealing environment.

Creating the right environment also means that services should be welcoming to younger patients. Simple measures such as displaying posters or leaflets that are written for young people can help to send out a signal that they are welcome to visit your service.

According to the WHO framework, an acceptable service will also have:

• policies and procedures to guarantee client confidentiality
• health care providers and support staff who are motivated to work with young people, are non-judgemental and easy to relate to
• staff who can devote adequate time to their patients and act in the best interests of their patients.

For more practical guidance on creating a youth-friendly environment, visit our Improve your service section.