Should sexual education be more accessible across the Horsham district?

Members of the Scrutiny and Overview Committee questioned the placement of the shop, Find It Out, which offers young people information and advice, and whether its accessibility is widespread enough across the district.

Chairman of the committee George Cockman (Ind, Ashurst and Steyning) described the opening of Find It Out at the Y Centre in Horsham as a ‘very positive morning’.

However, he added: “There are issues still, like is the Y Centre actually the best place to hold the Information Shop?”

Horsham’s Youth Information Shop marked its 20th anniversary in a special event at the Y Centre in July.

Several 15 to 16 year olds from Tanbridge House School who have been closely involved with the development of the service over the past year were invited back to the YMCA to take part in a feedback session and for the opportunity to see the response to their earlier recommendations.

Roger Clarke (Con, Cowfold, Shermanbury and West Grinstead) spoke at length about the issue.

Mr Clarke explained how he had made positive comments about the Information Shop at a Cowfold Parish Council meeting, but he ‘got ripped’ - as other councillors argued it was of no use to those living in villages in the district.

He said: “The problem basically is this is for Horsham only. It doesn’t get out into villages.

“In the villages, there is not the range of information and fact finding that can be found at the Y Centre.

“This is something that really needs to be addressed - some kids will not be able to access that sort of information.”

What do you think? Can more be done to educate the district’s youth? Do you think the Information Shop could be placed in a more appropriate location? Comment below, or email [email protected].