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This section of our site has been prepared especially to look at some of the more common health or advice issues which concern younger people, who often have particular health worries.
There are many sources of confidential advice available within the area, so if you are unable to find what you need here, ask for an appointment with one of our nurses, who can guide you to the best support service.
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What is a sexually transmitted infection?
Some infections can pass to another person through unprotected vaginal, anal & oral sex & through sharing sex toys.
Safer sex involves using condoms correctly every time you have sex. If you don’t use a condom you are more at risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection. You don’t need lots of partners to get an infection!
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Can they be treated?
Most sexually transmitted infections can be treated & it is usually best if treatment is started as soon as possible. Some infections, such as HIV & herpes, never leave the body but there are drugs available that can reduce the symptoms & help prevent or delay the development of complications.
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How will I know if I have an infection?
Not everyone who has a sexually transmitted infection has signs/or symptoms. Sometimes these don’t appear for weeks or months & sometimes they go away, but you can still have an infection & pass it on to someone else. If you experience any of the following symptoms you should seek advice:
- unusual discharge from the vagina
- discharge from the penis
- pain or burning when you pass urine
- itches, rashes, lumps or blisters around the genitals or anus
- pain and/or bleeding during sex
- bleeding between periods (including women who are using hormonal contraception)
- bleeding after sex
- pain in the testicles or lower abdomen
Even if you don’t have any signs and/or symptoms you may wish to seek advice or have a check-up, particularly if:
- you have had unprotected sex with a new partner recently
- you or your sexual partner have sex with other people without using a condom
- your sexual partner has any symptoms
- you are planning a pregnancy & may have been at risk of infection
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Some Sexually Transmitted Infections |
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Chlamydia |
Chlamydia is a bacteria, which is found in the semen & vaginal fluids of men & women who have the infection. It is easily passed from one person to another through sexual contact. Chlamydia can also be passed from a pregnant woman to the baby & may be linked to early miscarriage & premature birth of the baby.
If Chlamydia is treated early it is unlikely to cause any long term problems. However, without proper treatment the infection can spread to other parts of the body.
- In women, Chlamydia can spread to other reproductive organs causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This can lead to long term pelvic pain, blocked fallopian tubes, infertiliy & ectopic pregnancy. In women Chlamydia can also spread to the liver causing pain & inflammation
- In men chlamydia can lead to a painful infection in the testicles & possibly reduced fertility
- Rarely, Chlamydia can lead to inflammation of the joints in both men & women. This is known as reactive arthritis & is sometimes accompanied by inflammation of the urethra & the eye when it is known as Reiter’s Syndrome. This is more likely to occur in men than women
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Genital Herpes |
Genital herpes is caused by a virus which is easily passed from one person to another through sexual contact. Often there are no symptoms or they may be so mild that you do not know that you have the virus.
Herpes comes in many forms. There are two types of the virus-known as herpes simplex virus I & II – which are found on the mouth & nose (cold sores); on the genital & anal area; & on the eyes, fingers & hands. In women, an attack of genital herpes causes blisters or sores to the vagina, vulva, cervix & rectum. In men, blisters & sores can be found on & around the penis, rectum & inside the anus.
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Genital Warts |
Genital Warts are caused by a virus – known as the human papilloma virus (HPV). This is easily passed from one person to another through sexual contact. There are more than 100 types of HPV. Different types can cause visible & invisible warts on the hands, feet & genital area.
Genital warts can occur in both the genital & anal area (anogenital). Most people will not have any symptoms, & will not develop any visible warts, so you may not know whether you or your partner has the virus. You will not know if you have the virus unless you have had a sexual health check.
A few types of warts are linked to changes in cervical cells which could eventually lead to cervical cancer. These changes can take many years, so it is really important that every sexually active woman has regular cervical smear tests, whether or not she has genital warts. Cervical smears pick up these changes long before they become cancer.
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Gonorrhoea |
Gonorrhoea is caused by bacteria which are easily passed from one person to another through sexual contact. The bacteria usually live inside the cells of the cervix, urethra, rectum, the throat & occasionally the eyes.
Without proper treatment the infection can spread to other parts of the body causing damage & serious long-term complications (similar to those of Chlamydia)
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Non-specific urethritis |
There are many different causes of non-specific urethritis (NSU), some but not all are passed on through having sex. Some causes include Chlamydia, herpes, trichomonas, and some bacterias’ that live in the rectum, mouth & throat. Other causes may be bacteria from urinary tract infection or vaginal infection in your partner, such as thrush or bacterial vaginosis.
If left untreated NSU can have long-term consequences, although these are uncommon. They can include
- Painful infection in the testicles
- Possible reduced fertility
- Inflammation of the joints
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Pubic lice & Scabies |
Pubic lice are tiny parasitic insects that live in course body hair, such as pubic hair. They are yellow-grey & about 2mm long. They have a crab-like appearance, so they are often known as ‘crabs’. Pubic lice are easily passed from one person to another through close body or sexual contact.
They can be found in pubic, underarm & leg hair, the abdomen & chest, eyelashes & occasionally eyebrows & beards. They do not live in the hair on the head. They move by crawling from hair to hair, they cannot fly or jump & it can occasionally possible for pubic lice to be spread by clothing, bedding & towels.
Scabies is caused by tiny parasitic mites. They are about 0.4mm long, smaller than a pinhead, they burrow into the skin & lay eggs. Scabies cannot go away without treatment. A more severe & uncommon form of the condition occurs when there are very many mites in the skin. This is called crusted scabies & can affect older people & people with certain illnesses, such as HIV.
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Syphilis |
Syphilis is caused by bacteria which are easily passed from one person to another through sexual contact & through contaminated blood. Syphilis can develop in three stages:
- First stage-one or more sores, usually painless, will appear where the bacteria entered the body. These sores can appear anywhere on the body. In women they usually occur on the vulva, the clitoris, cervix, anus & mouth. In men they appear on the urethra, penis, foreskin, anus & mouth. The sores are very infectious & may take 2-6 weeks to heal, by this time the bacteria has spread to other parts of the body
- Second stage-If the infection remains untreated, symptoms will develop
- A painless rash, spreading all over the body
- Flat, warty-looking growths on the vulva & anus in both men & women
- A flu-like illness, tiredness & loss of appetite with swollen glands
- White patches on the tongue or roof of mouth
- Patchy hair loss
The second stage may last for several months & is very infectious
- Third stage-when infection remains untreated, it is called latent syphilis & can still be infectious. During this stage the person infected may have no further symptoms & the disease can last for the rest of their life. After many years untreated syphilis may cause very serious damage to the heart, brain, eyes & other internal organs, bones & nervous system. At this stage syphilis could be fatal!
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Trichomonas vaginalis |
Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) is an infection caused by a tiny parasite; it is passed from one person to another during sex. Evidence shows that trichomonas infection can increase HIV transmission & in pregnant women has been associated with premature labour & infants of low birth weight.
Up to half of infected people will not have any symptoms at all. For some people trichomonas may cure itself, as the body can often fight off some infections without treatment. However, if you delay seeking treatment you risk passing on the infection to someone else.
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Thrush & Bacterial vaginosis |
Candida albicans is a yeast that lives harmlessly on the skin & in the mouth, gut & vagina. Normally it is kept under control by harmless bacteria. Occassionally, conditions change & the yeast increases rapidly causing symptoms (thrush). Your chances of developing thrush are increased if you:
- are pregnant
- wear tight, restrictive clothing
- taking certain antibiotics
- have diabetes
- are unwell or ill
- use products that may cause irritation such as, perfumed bubble bath & vaginal deodorant
- have sex with someone who has thrush
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a very common vaginal infection, the cause is not really understood, but it seems more likely to occur in women when the vagina’s pH (its acid/alkaline balance) is altered. Men do not get BV, it is not a sexually transmitted infection.
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Who can help me with my Sexual Health? |
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General practices
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Specialist contraceptive clinics
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Sexually transmitted infection testing clinics (genitourinary medicine(GUM) clinics)
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Pharmacies
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Specialist sexual assault centres
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How can I find where my nearest service is? |
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You can find out about all clinics from sexual health direct, run by the Family Planning Association – FPA, on 0845 310 1334 or at www.fpa.org.uk
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You can find details of all services including general practices & pharmacies at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
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You can also get details of your nearest contraception, GUM or sexual health clinic from a telephone directory, health centre, GP practice, local pharmacy, hospital, midwife, health visitor or advice centre
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You can get details of GUM & sexual health clinics from the Sexual Health Information Line on 0800 567 123 or at www.playingsafely.co.uk
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You can find details of young people’s services from Brook on 0800 0185 023 or from Sexwise on 0800 28 29 30 or at www.ruthinking.co.uk
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The Leeds Centre for Sexual Health (Leeds General Infirmary). Telephone appointments
- 0113 392 6724
- 0113 392 6725
- 0113 392 2722 (cancellations only)
Anyone can use these services, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, religion, whether you are male, female, straight, gay or bisexual. Some services hold sessions for men, women, young people, gay men & lesbians. ALL THESE SERVICES ARE CONFIDENTIAL! Even if you are under 16 years of age. [ Top ] |
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Drugs and solvents are powerful chemicals that can change how you think, feel and behave. Using them can be dangerous. People take drugs and solvents for different reasons. Some people just want to see what they are like. Others like how drugs and solvents make them feel. Some people take them to forget about the problems they are having. But once you start taking drugs and solvents it is very hard to stop. |
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There are lots of different drugs and solvents. Different ones have different effects. What they do to you also depends on how much you use; how strong it is and the way you take it.
It is not easy to tell what is in a drug or how powerful it is. So people take drugs without knowing what is in them – which makes it even more risky.
Alcohol and tobacco are the most common drugs and are sold in shops pubs and bars. Both drugs can cause serious problems. Using most other drugs is illegal.
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Cannabis |
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Other names: marijuana; hash; ganga; draw; blow; weed; puff; shit |
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The Facts
Cannabis is a natural substance which comes from a plant known as ‘hemp’ and comes as leaves; stalks and seeds called ‘grass’ or in a solid lump known as ‘resin.’
Cannabis is a Class B drug. It can be rolled with tobacco in a spliff or joint or smoked in a special pipe or eaten. It can come in different strengths.
The Effects
- Getting ‘stoned’ makes most people feel relaxed and heightens the senses
- Cooking and eating it makes the effects harder to control
- It usually leaves people feeling tired and often craving food
- Affects short term memory and concentration and can make users paranoid
- Smoking long term can lead to respiratory disorder like lung cancer
- Reduces coordination making users vulnerable
- Impairs skills such as driving
- Can be hard to quit
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Cocaine |
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Other names: coke; Charlie; snow; C |
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The Facts
Cocaine is a Class A drug which can be snorted or injected
The Effects
- Cocaine gives a buzz which makes users feel alert and confident and creates a sense of well-being lasting half an hour
- Cocaine leaves users craving more
- Users have a ‘comedown’ after use which involves feelings of depression
- It can cause heart problems and chest pain and heavy use leads to convulsions
- Large; frequent dose cause confusion and paranoia
- It is an expensive habit which is hard to control
- Users can die from overdoses
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Crack |
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Other names: rock; wash; stone |
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The Facts
Crack is a Class A drug and is a form of smoking cocaine. The effects of smoking Crack are similar to those of snorting Cocaine although the high only lasts 10 minutes.
The Effects
- Users often chase the high by repeating the dose
- Users may take heroin to dull the craving caused by the use of crack
- Heavy use can lead to fatal heart problems and convulsions
- Smoking is drug seriously harms the lungs and causes chest pains
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Afterwards the user can be restless; feel sick and can become confused and paranoid
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Ecstasy |
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Other names: E; XTC; disco biscuits; echoes; hug drug; eccies; burgers; Fantasy (chemical name: MDMA) |
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The Facts
Ecstasy comes in tablets of different shapes; size and colour. Its affects are unpredictable and tablets may contain other drugs sold as MDMA which can have varying effects. Ecstasy is a Class A drug. It makes the user feel connected with their surroundings and sound; colour and emotions can seem more intense.
The Effects
- The buzz last from 3-6 hours and makes people want to dance for this time – users must ensure they chill out regularly and drink often
- As it starts to work the users feel a tightening of the jaw; nausea; sweating and an increase in heart rate
- The comedown can leave people feeling tired and depressed for days
- Usage can be linked to liver and kidney problems, and some tests have shown MDMA affects the brain chemistry in animals
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Gases, Glues and Aerosols |
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Found in: lighter gas refills; fuel canisters; aerosols; tins containing glue; paints; thinners and correcting fluids |
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The Facts
They are sniffed or breathed into the lungs. It is illegal for under 18’s to buy them. Users can feel dizzy; giggly and dreamy and can hallucinate. The effects last for 15-45 minutes and after users feel drowsy and can suffer a headache.
The Effects
- Can cause instant death – even on the first go
- Fluid can enter the lungs which can be fatal. The use can also cause sickness; blackouts; fatal heart problems and accidents are more likely as users are less alert
- Long tem abuse can damage the brain; liver and kidneys
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GHB (gammahydroxybutyrate) |
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The Facts
Comes as a colourless liquid and is sold in small bottles and capsules. It has no smell but a salty taste when it is swallowed. It is not illegal to possess this drug yet Class C penalties may apply.
The Effects
- Excessive use can lead to sickness; stiff muscles; fits and users can even collapse.
- GHB can badly burn the mouth and can be fatal when mixed with alcohol and other drugs
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Heroin |
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Other names: smack; brown; horse; gear; H; junk; skag; jack |
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The Facts
Heroin is a painkilling drug made from morphine derived form the opium poppy. It comes as a white powder when pure, it is snorted smoked or injected and is a Class A drug.
The Effects
- Excessive amounts can result in overdose; coma or even death
- First time use often leads to side effects like dizziness and vomiting
- Heroin is highly addictive; getting the next fix can dominate the users life
- Tolerance develop which means the users needs more heroin to get the same effect
- Those who start by smoking/snorting heroin can switch to injecting
- Injecting can damage veins and leads to gangrene
- Sharing needles and using syringes out users at risk of dangerous infections like HIV
- Withdrawing from Heroin can be very hard
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Ketamine |
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Other names: Special K; Vitamin K; K |
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The Facts
It is an anaesthetic with pain-killing and psychedelic properties. A similar drug is used be Vets. It comes as tablets or powder.
The Effects
- Ketamine numbs the body so users risk serious injury without feeling pain.
- Effects can be very alarming if the user isn’t expecting them
- Excessive doses carry some risk of breathing problems and heart failure
- Ketamine is VERY DANGEROUS when mixed with alcohol and other drugs
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LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide) |
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Other Names: Acid; drips; tabs; blotters; microdots; dots |
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The Facts
LSD usually comes in tiny squares of paper often with a picture on one side. It is a Class A drug.
The Effects
- LSD is a hallucinogenic drug, it has a powerful effect on the mind
- The effects are know as a ‘trip’ and can last as long as 8-12 hours
- Once the trip starts there is no way of stopping it
- A bad trip can be terrifying – users may feel very threatened; paranoid or out of control
- Accidents may happen while users are hallucinating
- LSD can complicate mental problems such as depression; anxiety; schizophrenia
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Magic Mushrooms |
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Other names: ‘shrooms; mushies |
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The Facts
Several types of magic mushroom grow wild in the UK. There are similar species which look similar to magic mushrooms which are poisonous. They are eaten raw; dry; cooked ion food or stewed in tea. Magic Mushrooms when prepared are a Class A drug.
The Effects
- Similar effect to LSD
- The trip tends to last 4 hours
- They can cause stomach pains; sickness and diarrhoea
- Eating the wrong kind of mushroom can also cause serious illness and even fatal poisoning.
- Like any hallucinogen Magic Mushrooms can complicate mental problems
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Poppers (alkiyl nitrites) |
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Other Names: ram; thrust; rock hard; kix; TNT; liquid gold |
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The Facts
Poppers come as a liquid in a small bottle or a tube. The vapour is breathed in through the mouth or nose.
The Effects
- Users get a very brief but intense ‘head-rush’
- The effects last 2-5 minutes after use
- Can make some people feel sick and often experience a headache afterwards
- Regular use cause skin problems around the mouth or nose
- If spilled poppers can burn mouth or skin
- Poppers MAY BE FATAL IF SWALLOWED
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Speed (amphetamines) |
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Other names: speed; whizz; uppers; amph; billy; sulphate |
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The Facts
Speed usually comes as grey-white powder or sometimes in tablets. It can be snorted, swallowed, injected or smoked. Speed is the most impure illegal drug in the UK.
The Effects
- Speed is a stimulant and quickens the heart beat and breathing rate
- The comedown (tiredness and depression) last for 1-2 days
- Sleep, memory and concentration are affected
- Tolerance can develop and long term use puts a strain on the heart
- Overdose can be fatal
- Use of speed can lead to mental illness such as psychosis
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Cancer of the testicles is rare, but is the most common cancer in men aged between 15 and 45. It is affecting more and more men each year. A simple, regular self check can help you detect the early signs of the disease. If you do notice changes, it’s important to act quickly. With early treatment there’s a good chance there will be no further problems. |
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Warning Signs
The early signs of testicular cancer are usually obvious and easy to spot.
- A hard lump on the front or side of the testicle
- Swelling or enlargement of a testicle
- An increase in firmness of a testicle
- Pain or discomfort in a testicle or scrotum (the sack that holds the testicles)
- An unusual difference between one testicle and the other
- A heavy feeling in the scrotum
A dull ache in the lower stomach, groin or scrotum |
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How to check yourself
Everyone is different so if you’re going to pick up any changes you need to know what is normal for you. From the time of puberty onwards you should do a regular self-check. The best time to do this is in or after a shower or a bath.
- Hold the scrotum in the palm of your hands and feel the size and weight of the testicles. It is common to have one slightly larger than the other.
- Feel each testicle and roll it between your thumb and finger. It should feel smooth. You’ll feel a soft, tender tube towards the back of each testicle. This is called the epididymis.
- It is unusual to develop cancer in both testicles. So if you’re wondering whether a testicle is feeling normal or not you can compare it with the other.
- It you notice anything unusual about your testicles you should go and see a doctor as soon as possible.
What if I have Testicular Cancer?
The good news is that testicular cancer is almost always curable if it’s found early. The disease responds well to treatment even if it has spread to other parts of the body. These days more than 9 out 10 patients are cured and most enjoy a normal sex life and father many children.
What causes Testicular Cancer?
We don’t know what causes testicular cancer, but we do know that some people have a higher risk of developing the disease. If one or both of a boy’s testicles hasn’t descended by the age of seven or so, he has a greater chance of developing testicular cancer late in life. Your risk is higher if a close member of the family has been diagnosed with the disease. White men, particularly those from higher-income backgrounds are more likely to develop testicular cancer than black or Asian men.
Further information & support:
Contact Cancer Research UK – 020 7121 6699 or www.cancerresearchuk.org or www.cancerhelp.org.uk
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Everybody needs to eat to live- food is a very important part of people’s lives. It is most important to have a healthy body weight (and a certain amount of body fat) to keep our bodies working. |
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Most people are unhappy with their bodies some of the time, thinking they are too fat, too thin, or just the wrong shape. This can be especially true for teenagers whose bodies are changing a lot, often very quickly.
Many people try out diets & usually this is not a problem. However, sometimes, eating patterns can become unhealthy, for example, if you eat too much or too little because you are feeling unhappy or stressed. It can be easier to control the way you eat than to cope with painful feelings. Over time, this can become dangerous to your emotional & physical health.
There are different kinds of eating problems & disorders – some are more serious than others. It may start with a young person not eating.
or over-eating, this may build up & persist over many months so that their physical health, & in some cases their lives, can be put at high risk. Everyday life becomes seriously disrupted. These young people are not well at all, either physically or emotionally. The most serious disorders are anorexia nervosa & bulimia nervosa (anorexic or bulimic). Eating problems & disorders are more common in girls than boys.
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Anorexia
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If you have anorexia, you might think about food, fat content or calories all the time & try to avoid eating. Losing weight might make you feel in control, or give you a sense of success, which makes you feel good, but it can be difficult to know when to stop. Your body needs a certain amount of nutrition to keep it working. If you are not getting enough nutrition, you become tired & find it difficult to concentrate or think.
If you judge yourself on how much you eat, you might feel that you will never be good enough unless you lose more weight, it can make you feel bad about yourself. Often, people with anorexia still feel fat even though they are really thin.
Signs & symptoms:
- Loss of a lot of weight very quickly
- Eating less & less
- Feeling panicky if you have to eat a big meal
- Thinking about food all the time, maybe wanting to cook for others
- Comparing yourself with other people’s body size
- Loss of periods, or periods not starting in girls
- Being moody or down
- Weighing yourself a lot
- Trying to be perfect
- Feeling cold
- Not feeling like mixing with people
- Thinking you are fatter than you actually are
- Sleeping problems
- Growth of downy body hair
- Teeth problems through being sick a lot
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People with bulimia usually keep their weight steady, so it can be very hard to tell if someone has bulimia. However, they still think constantly about food & calories. As with anorexia, bulimia is a way of using food to cope with painful feelings, some people can have some symptoms of both disorders. Some people have had anorexia in the past, but become bulimic.
People with bulimia "binge eat" – they eat a lot of food very quickly. This makes them feel guilty & bad about themselves, so they might try & get rid of the food by making themselves sick, or taking lots of laxatives (tablets or medicine that make you go to the toilet a lot). Some people feel so bad that they harm themselves, or misuse alcohol or drugs.
Signs & symptoms:
- Binge eating
- Sore throat & mouth infections
- Dehydration, & poor skin
- Sleeping problems
- Heart problems
- Muscle spasm (especially from using too many laxatives)
- Bad teeth from being sick
- Going to the toilet after meals
- Changes in periods if you are a girl
- Swollen glands
- Isolating yourself
- Feeling helpless
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Some of the reasons why people get eating disorders
- Feeling out of control-you might feel like your body is the only thing you have control over
- Wanting to be popular-thinking if you are slim you will be more attractive to other people
- Knowing parents who worry about their own weight & diet
- Wanting to be like other people who are successful e.g. models in magazines-confusing slimness with success
- Carrying on without eating much after an illness (e.g. flu), even though the illness has gone
- Starting a diet but not be able to stop
- Not realising that a bit of body fat is normal & needed for health!
- Feeling you aren’t good enough-thinking that everything will be better if you are thinner
- Hating your body-this might be because something bad has happened to you e.g. if you have been abused
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Ways of coping with eating problems & disorders
People with anorexia or bulimia may not accept that they have a problem, & may hide the fact that they are not eating. They may lie about what they eat, or refuse any help. Sometimes though, this hides their feelings of fear about what is happening to them. Once they accept they have a problem, there is a lot of help available!
It can be really hard to cope with an eating problem or disorder on your own. Talking to someone might help you feel more able to cope. Try & talk to someone you like & trust, such as
- Friend
- Brother or sister
- Parent or carer
- Grandparent
- Aunt or uncle
- Friend’s parent
Other people you could talk to could be your…
- Teacher
- School nurse
- School counsellor
- Youth worker
- Social worker
They may be able to come with you to talk to a specialist or may be able to phone someone for advice if you don’t want to do it yourself. You could also go to your doctor or nurse, who should be sympathetic & listen to you. They may be able to prescribe some medicines, which will help you, or they may refer you to specialist professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists or psychotherapists.
What you tell the doctor or nurse will be confidential-they should not tell anyone what you tell them. But if your health or safety is at serious risk then your doctor may want to tell your parent or carer. You may also be referred to a dietician who can tell you about how your eating habits affect your body, and help you to regain a healthy eating pattern.
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Friends & family – what can you do to help
Support from friends & family can be essential for people struggling to get over an eating problem or disorder. However, it can be difficult to know how to help, especially, if the person with the eating problem or disorder is not yet ready to face their difficulties. You might feel helpless, and their rejection might put pressure on your relationship with them. Things you can do to help:
- Give them time & listen
- Encourage them to seek help-it is important for them to get medical advice
- Let them know you are worried & that you are there for them
- Remind them why you like & value them
- Include them in activities, even if they have not been joining in with things
- Get some information on eating problems or disorders
- If you are worried, or finding it difficult to cope with on your own, talk to an adult that you trust
- Make sure that you look after yourself as well
Some things to avoid:
- Don’t take responsibility for your friend’s problem
- Don’t feel guilty-it’s not your fault
- Don’t change your own eating habits-it’s important that your friend is reminded of healthy eating habits
- Don’t give up even though your friend may push you away or tell you to mind your own business.
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Who can help?
Eating Disorders Association - youthline for young people up to & including 18 yrs of age – 0845 634 7650 (Mon-Fri 4-6.30pm & Sat 1-4.30pm).
Youthline email service: talkback@edauk.com
Textphone: 01603 753 322 (Mon-Fri 8.30am-8.30pm & Sat 1-4.30pm) Adult helpline: 0845 634 1414 (Mon-Fri 8.30am-8.30pm & Sat 1-4.30pm). Adult helpline email: helpmail@edauk.com
www.edauk.com
NHS direct – 0845 46 47 (24 hrs a day)
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Get Connected – freephone: 0808 808 4994 (7 days a week 1-11pm). Email: help@getconnected.org.uk
www.getconnected.org.uk
Youth2youth – helpline:020 8896 3675 (Mon & Thur 6.30pm-9.30pm)
Email: help@youth2youth.co.uk
www.youth2youth.co.uk - for people up to the age of 19 years
NSPCC –child protection helpline:
Freephone: 0808 800 5000 (24 hrs).
Textphone: 0800 056 0566 (24hrs).
Asian freephone: 0800 096 7719-(Mon-Fri 11am-7pm)
Email: help@nspcc.org.uk
www.nspcc.org.uk
Childline – freepost NATN1111, London E1 6BR
Freephone:0800 1111 (24hrs)
Textphone: 0800 400 222 (Mon-Fri9.30am-9.30pm. Weekends 9.30am-8pm)
www.childline.org.uk
Youth Access – signposting service; 020 8772 9900 (Mon-Fri 9am-1pm & 2-5pm)
Email: admin@youthaccess.org.uk
www.youthaccess.org.uk There 4 Me – for 12-16 year olds – www.there4me.com
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