Establishing good rapport with young people

Some young people may come to your health post on their own, alone or with their friends. Other young people may be 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. In addition, young people may be reluctant to disclose information on sensitive matters if their parents or guardians, or even spouse are also present.

If you do the following, you will be able to establish good rapport with young people. This will help the young people to disclose their RH problems.

• Greet the young people in a friendly manner. (Figure 10.2)
• Explain to the young people that:
  • you are there to help them, and you will do your best to understand and respond to their needs and problems
  • 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 with anyone any information that they have entrusted you with, unless they give you permission to do so.
• If the young person is accompanied 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 and this means that at some stage you may need some time to speak to the young person alone.