Walk The Talk

Developing appropriate and accessible health services for young people

Walk the Talk is an initiative funded by the Primary Care Division of the Scottish Executive, and is jointly managed by YouthLink Scotland and Fast Forward Positive Lifestyles. In 1998, the Scottish Executive commissioned 12 research projects to address the issues of inequalities in adolescent health. In April 2000, the results of the projects were shared at a conference attended by young people, practitioners and policy makers.

Underlying principles were explored at the conference, which identified the following formula:

Relevant people + Relevant Places + Relevant Times = Relevant Services

Phases One and Two

Phase One included the research and publication of the Walk the Talk Resource Pack, and the consultation with the Directors of Public Health to determine how the Walk the Talk Health Improvement Fund monies were being allocated. The strategic allocation of Walk the Talk monies varied in each Health Board area, with some opting for a bidding system and others targeting Social Inclusion Partnership areas.

During Phase Two a wide range of services was offered to health practitioners including training, network events, newsletters, consultancy and advice service and evaluation support. Over twenty training events, workshops and seminars varying in size, target group and methods of delivery were delivered during Phase Two, and Fast Forward is still receiving requests for support from a variety of organisations. Key outcomes during Phases 1 and 2 include 300+ adults trained, 100+ young people trained, 10,000+ resource packs distributed and 12,000 newsletters distributed.

Phase 3

Walk the Talk has now entered it's third and final stage where the lessons and needs from Phases One and Two have shaped the objectives to embed the ethos and working into mainstream provision.

Objectives

To map relevant Scottish Executive policies and departmental contribution in relation to young people and young people's health
To influence professional training within relevant disciplines
To develop local and national networks (with a focus on multi-agency approaches and an emphasis on links with Public Health Practitioners)
To influence and support the development of post-registration training
To develop a practical 'toolkit' of approaches for practitioners
To promote the Walk the Talk approach and support the Scottish Youth Health Conference
To provide updated information to practitioners