Establishing good relationship with young people

Some young people may come to your health post on their own, alone or with their friends or brought to the health post by a parent or a relative. Depending on the circumstances and the nature of the problem, the young person could be anxious or afraid. Also, young people may be unwilling to disclose information on sensitive matters. Therefore establishing a good relationship that creates a positive atmosphere of communication is very helpful.

If you do the following, you will be able to establish good interaction with young people and obtain information regarding their problems.

Greet the young people in a friendly manner and explain to the young people that:

• You are there to help them,
• You would like them to communicate with you freely and without hesitation.
• They should feel at ease and not be afraid because you will not say or do anything that affects them negatively.
• You will not share any information with anyone unless they give you permission to do so.

If the young person has brought by an adult, explain to the accompanying adult, in the presence of the young person, that you want to develop a good working relationship with the young person privately.