Health Text 4 Teens
We will be launching confidential text service for health advice, primarily aimed at th 13 - 19 age group in September 2009. We would be grateful for your thoughts on whether such a service would be of use to you.
Please use the contact us form to let us know your views on this.
Sexual Health
Chlamydia - If you are aged between 15 and 25 and are sexually active you should be tested for Chlamydia on a yearly basis.
Free kits are available from the Practice, these contain full instructions on performing the test along with information about Chlamydia.
Check out http://cww.cornwall.nhs.uk/chlamydia/site.asp for more info.
Mental Health Issues
Check out
http://www.thesite.org/healthandwellbeing/mentalhealth for help on issues such as anxiety, stress, depression, problems around eating, hurting yourself, etc.
Please remember you can talk to the doctors at the Practice about anything that is worrying you. Your concerns will be listened to confidentially. Please don't feel embarrased there are no "silly questions" and we will not speak to anyone else about your issues without your full agreement.
If you would prefer to speak to someone over the phone, please leave your contact details with the Receptionist and they will arrange for someone to ring you. You do NOT have to give the Receptionist any details other than your name and phone number.
Bullying: www.bullying.co.uk a Uk charity dealing with enquiries via the internet.
General Support
http://www.brook.org.uk/content/ for confidential advice on sexual health and contraception, specifically aimed at the under 25s
http://www.thesite.org.uk/ Provides impartial fact sheets and articles on all key issues facing young people including: sex and relationships; drinking and drugs; work and study; housing; legal and finances; and health and wellbeing.
Links to Local Organisations 
www.eefo.net aimed at 13 - 19 year olds, this gives advice on local services that are "teenage friendly" as well as lots of info about every day issues affecting you. Check it out - it can also be accessed by your mobile if it has web access!
SHARE Share can be found at 1 Biddicks Court, St Austell, Cornwall, PL25 4JE
Share is an advice and information service for young people aged 13 - 25. They offer options around housing, benefits, sexual health, drugs and alcohol. Basically any range of issues that affect people in this age group. There are practical services such as free condoms, pregnancy testing, sexually transmitted infection testing, counselling, mentoring and access to emergency contraception.
They run a sexual health clinic on Mondays 3.30pm - 5.30pm with a female doctor and nurse.
There is a drop-in service Mon 10am - 3.30pm and Tues - Fri 10am - 4.30pm.
They offer a confidential service and you do not have to give your name if you don't want to.
If you would prefer to contact them by phone you can ring 0800 181 033 or email staustellshare@cornwall.gov.uk
Cornwall Eating Disorders Association: www.cedaonline.org
Cornwall Eating Disorders Association is now on-line. The site contains information about how to access the NHS Eating Disorder Service, personal stories, recommended reading list, and links to other informative sites.
Disclaimer: Polkyth Surgery is not responsible for the content and advice given by external websites.