School-based health service (SBHS)
Supporting rangatahi to be healthy, connected and ready to reach their potential.
Our school-based health service (SBHS) provides accessible, confidential and youth-friendly health care for rangatahi across Waikato.
We work alongside kura, whānau and communities to make sure young people can access the health support they need – where they are, when they need it, and in a way that works for them.
A dedicated team of youth health nurses, nurse practitioners and general practitioners deliver our service, working closely with each kura to support the health and wellbeing of rangatahi.
What we provide
Our school-based health service provides a broad range of health and wellbeing support, including:
physical and mental health assessment and support
sexual and reproductive health care
contraception and sexual health advice
immunisation support
health education and promotion
support with long-term health conditions
medication and treatment support
wellbeing and healthy lifestyle advice
referrals and connection to other health and social services
support for young people experiencing challenges at home, at school or in their wider lives
early identification and support for health and wellbeing concerns
sore throat management.
Our nurses provide a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space where rangatahi can talk openly about what is important to them.
Rangatahi at the centre
We recognise that every young person is different.
Our approach is centred on building trusted relationships and create opportunities for rangatahi to have a voice in their own health and wellbeing.
We take a holistic approach, recognising that physical health, mental wellbeing, relationships, whānau, identity, culture, education and the environments young people live in are all connected.
We are committed to providing care that is culturally responsive, inclusive and respectful of the diverse communities we work alongside.
Supporting health equity
Our school-based health service has a strong focus on improving health equity and reducing barriers to accessing care.
For some young people, getting to a medical centre or navigating traditional health services can be difficult. By bringing health care into kura, we make it easier for rangatahi to access support in a familiar environment.
We particularly focus on ensuring equitable access for Māori and Pasifika rangatahi, young people who are care-experienced, disabled or whaikaha, rainbow rangatahi, and those facing other barriers can access the care they need.
Working alongside kura and whānau
Our nurses work as part of the wider school community and develop strong relationships with students, whānau, teachers, pastoral teams and other support services.
We work collaboratively with kura to identify health and wellbeing needs, promote healthy environments and connect young people with the right support.
Where appropriate, we also work alongside whānau and other health, education and social services to ensure rangatahi receive coordinated support.
Where we work
Our school-based health service supports 43 kura across Waikato, spanning rural and urban communities from Taumarunui to Te Kauwhata and Raglan to the Coromandel peninsula.
We work across mainstream secondary schools, Kura Kaupapa Māori wharekura, alternative education settings and Teen Parent Units. Te Whatu Ora funds us to deliver health services to rangatahi in years 9 to 13 in low decile/high Equity Index (EQI) kura. You can find more information on the Te Whatu Ora website.
We tailor our service to the unique needs of each kura and the communities they serve.
A safe place to talk
Sometimes young people just need someone to listen.
Our youth health nurses provide a confidential and supportive space where rangatahi can talk about their physical health, mental wellbeing, relationships, sexual health, family life, school, identity or anything else that may be affecting them.
No concern is too big or too small
If a young person needs support beyond what we can provide at kura, we help connect them with the right service and support them through that process.
Healthy rangatahi. Strong whānau. Thriving communities.
We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to be healthy, feel safe and connected, and have the tools and support they need to reach their potential.