The facts – the Age of Consent
You must be over 16 to have straight (heterosexual) sex or gay (homosexual) sex. Even when you are legally old enough to have sex it’s not the sort of thing to be rushed into. It’s a personal thing and you need to be aware of and respect the feelings of both you and your partner.
For more information about sex, young people and the law visit Brook.
In addition these websites have information that might help you:
- Ruthinking also has a confidential helpline 0800 28 29 30
- Likeitis - provides specialist information, advice and support to young people relating to pregnancy and teenage parenting.
- Brook - provides free contraception and advice to young people under the age of 19. There are several Brook Clinics in the area, Brook Eccles is at:
- Fpa - has Clinics throughout the area
- Playing safely - provides information on safe sex.
Sexual Health
When you do have sex you need to protect yourself and your partner from sexually transmitted infections, like herpes or chlamydia or from an unplanned pregnancy. A condom can help make sex safer.
- Ruclear screening service to check for Chlamydia; you can ring their confidential advice line 0845 330 6363
Sexuality
Gay, lesbian, bisexual or straight, you might feel confused about your sexuality, and your feelings could change at different stages of your life.
- Avert is a charity mainly concerned with HIV/AIDS, but with lots of information for young people about sexuality and sexual health.
For more information see Relationships/sexuality.
You can use the library in your Connexions Centre too as it has information for you to read or take away. You could also go to Web Linx for more useful websites.