A HELENSBURGH health worker who pioneered an online app aimed at helping cut unwanted pregnancies and STIs among the area's young people has spoken to the Advertiser about her role.

Laura Stephenson is a senior health improvement officer, and registered public health practitioner, working at the Jeanie Deans unit at the town's Victoria Integrated Care Centre.

Laura, who also volunteers with the NSPCC every Friday, was behind the introduction of Scotland's first CCard app – an online version of the CCard, which enables young people to obtain contraceptives anonymously and free of charge.

Currently available on a trial basis in Helensburgh, Lochgilphead and Campbeltown, there are plans to roll out the CCard scheme across Argyll and Bute soon.

Laura said: "I engaged with young people to plan a service for under 25s that addresses access to free condoms and other barrier methods to prevent pregnancy and STIs.

"There are now plans for the app to be launched Argyll and Bute wide."

Laura recently led a 'health drama' project delivered to S3 pupils in the area's secondary schools, aimed at raising awareness of some of the most pressing health concerns for young people.

"The overarching message was for young people to speak to someone and not to feel alone with their worries," she said.

"The project allowed young people to consider what support they have, ask services questions, and discuss the issues further in class."

Laura was also behind the introduction, 12 years ago, of the SHARE education programme in Argyll and Bute.

SHARE, standing for Sexual Health and Relationship Education, consists of 22 lessons designed for young people in secondary schools.

Working with Waverley Care she has trained many professionals working with this age group, helping young people in Argyll and Bute receive up-to-date and evidence-based sexual health and relationship education.

A new resource on sexual health, relationships and parenthood education is being developed nationally, and Laura will support the implementation of that programme in Argyll and Bute too.

"Managing my time and organisation is really important," she said, "and I rely a lot on modern technology to increase my productivity and cope with the geography of Argyll and Bute.

"My role sits within Public Health and considers inequalities, poverty, access to services and individual lifestyles.

"I also work in partnership with other agencies to engage with the community and build capacity in health improvement."

Away from work, Laura keeps fit by going to the gym with her daughter and by taking lunchtime walks with her colleagues in Helensburgh.

She added: "I'm undertaking a post graduate course in Child Protection and I'm enjoying the learning I am achieving from that."

Argyll and Bute's 'wellbeing in sexual health' website - ab-wish.org - has more information about local services, relationships, STIs and LGBT support.

Laura's job also includes promoting 'stop smoking' support services throughout the area. You can contact a smoke free advisor for free by phoning 0800 84 84 84 (Mon-Fri 8am-10pm, Sat-Sun 9am-5pm), or get expert advice online at quityourway.scot.

* Laura's story is part of the Advertiser's occasional series on the work of health and social care professionals in the Helensburgh and Lomond area.