Since the start of 2021, we have identified an acute rise in the number of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) across the community with unusually high levels of frequency and acuity across vulnerable populations in Melbourne’s North-Western and CBD regions. 

In March this year, research from Alfred Health showed a significant increase in the number of gonorrhea cases spreading rapidly through Melbourne’s outer suburbs with particularly alarming rates in the municipalities of Melton, Casey, and Brimbank.  

There have also been significant changes in the epidemiology of syphilis in Australia with the geography of cases shifting to large cities like Melbourne and a dramatic reduction in the number of HIV notifications in the past 2 years. In 2021, only 2.3 new HIV cases per 100,000 population were reported, compared to 5.1 per 100,000 population pre-pandemic. 

Youth Projects believes that a targeted, innovative, and flexible response to this acute rise in STIs is critical in early intervention and curbing the spread, particularly amongst young people and people who may not typically reach out for health assistance. 

Commencing this month, Youth Projects is launching a 16-week, FREE Sexual Health Pop-up Clinic at our Youth Hub in Glenroy that will be available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from now until the end of September.  

Our team of doctors and nurses have extensive experience in sexual health and are committed to providing our community with confidential and non-judgemental access to free sexual health services.  

Services available include: 

• Routine STI checkups 
• Testing and treatment for people with sexually transmissible infections  
• Medicare bulk-billed service to patients  
• A nurse assessment and GP consultation  
• And, you’ll be able to chat with our team if you need any other assistance 

The free, confidential, and non-judgemental service will be available mainly for young people aged under 25, but people of all ages are able to access the pop-up clinic. The clinic is welcoming to all people, particularly our LGBTQIA+ and Sex worker community. 

To access the clinic, you can call or text 0421 181 659 or walk-in anytime between 2.00 pm and 5.30 pm Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 

For more information on Sexual Health Pop-up Clinic, head over to our dedicated page which has everything you might want to know! 

Youth Projects’ 16-week Sexual Health Pop-up Clinic is proudly funded by the Victorian Government’s Department of Health.