Sexual Health
Sex is a normal part of adult life, but it’s often something we feel very embarrassed talking about. Once you’re ready to take this big step, make sure you are as informed as possible about protecting yourself from STI's and unplanned pregnancy.
There are lots of places where you can get free, confidential advice, not only about sex, contraceptives, sexual health and pregnancy, but also if you need to talk to someone about making the first step.
What is the age of consent?
The law says you have to be 16 or over (17 in Northern Ireland) before you can legally have sex and a lot of young people do actually wait till then, despite what your mates say.
Contraception
When you do have sex you need to protect yourself and your partner from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as herpes or chlamydia or from an unplanned pregnancy. A condom can help make sex safer.
There are lots of places where you can get free confidential advice about contraception including your local doctor’s surgery - which will usually have a family planning clinic where you can get advice and free contraceptives. If you prefer to go somewhere else there are lots of places you can get advice and free contraceptives locally and nationally. Places of advice and guidance are listed at the bottom of this page
For more information on any of the following topics, click on the links below:
(Are you worried about becoming a parent then click here for advice- this link is a local service that provides you with information about things that happen during pregnancy, becoming a mum or dad, maternity/paternity rights etc)
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Local and National Advice Centres
Gaol Street Health Centre Information
Gaol Street Health Centre, Hereford
Contraception Clinic Tel: 01432 378915
Contraception advice and also free sexual health screen for anyone concerned about sexually transmitted infection.
Clinic Opening Times:- Appointments Are Necessary (If You Are Unable To Attend Please Ring To Cancel).
- Monday 2.00pm - 4.30pm
- Tuesday 6.30pm - 9.00pm
- Wednesday 12.00pm - 2.30pm
- Thursday 9.00am - 11.30am
- Friday 5.00pm - 7.30pm
Young People’s Combined Drop~In Clinic Only For Age 21 And Under (No Appointment Necessary)
- Tuesday 3.00pm - 4.30pm
- Saturday 10:00am– 12.30pm
- UK National NHS Sexual Health Helpline Open 24 hours for all ages. Telephone 0800 567123
- RU Thinking About It Helpline Open 7 days a week ,7am-12 midnight. Telephone: 0800 28 29 30
- Family Planning Association Helpline 0845 122 8690 (Monday to Friday 9am-6pm) Confidential information and advice on contraception and sexual health and details of family planning and sexual health clinics.
- Rape crisis for help and support of women who have been raped. Call 0808 802 99 99 to talk to someone or find your nearest Rape Crisis Centre
- Survivors UK (supporting male victims of abuse,assault and rape) Ring the UK National Helpline 0845 122 1201, open Monday, Tuesdays & Thursdays 7pm-9.30pm.
- fpa (Family Planning Association) Helpline: 0845 122 8690 (Eng & Wales) Open 9am-6pm Mon-Fri. Provides confidential information and advice on contraception and sexual and reproductive health. You can also get details of family planning clinics, sexual health clinics and other sexual health services anywhere in the UK.
- Like It Is website for 11-15 year olds, providing advice on issues such as contraception, periods, teenage pregnancy, sex and sexuality.
- NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0800 800 5000
- The Site General information and lifestyle website for young people, 'your guide to the real world'. Has a section on sex and relationships, including sexually transmitted infections, contraception and sexual health.
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