Introduction

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Introduction

This guide will help to point you in the right direction towards a healthier, less stressful and more rewarding lifestyle. It tells you where you can get help and information and gives you clear and sensible ideas on what to do if you feel you need that extra bit of help. As a young person it is important to start following a healthy lifestyle now in order to avoid any problems when you are older. Healthy habits are easier to get used to as a young person, and they can improve the rest of your life. You will also look and feel better, right now! This guide also contains useful websites, agency advice and information about various key issues. So take a browse and read the sections which are of interest to you. 1605-Plymouth Torbay CCI 12-19.qxp_Layout 1 25/01/2017 12:09 Page 7

Contents

Guide to services 4 Well-being A positive body image 12 Know the basics 6 Sex & sexual health 14 Teenage pregnancy 16 Common illnesses & conditions 8 Relationships 18 Coughs & colds Bullying & peer pressure 20 Diarrhoea & being sick Difficulties at home 22 Headaches & migranes FGM 24 Acne Drugs, substances & alcohol 26 Glandular fever Healthy lifestyles 28 HPV inoculation 30 More serious conditions 10 Stressed out or feeling low 32 Diabetes Self-harm 34 Meningitis & septicaemia Asthma Useful contacts 36 1605-Plymouth Torbay CCI 12-19.qxp_Layout 1 25/01/2017 12:09 Page 9

GP (Doctor) If you've just started college, The GP can¹t share information about • If you are suffering with depression, Guide to services university or you've moved away your health with other professionals anxiety etc, your GP should talk from home, it's a good idea to register outside of the NHS without your through options with you and not We have a wide range of professionals and other services who are there to with a local GP practice. This means permission (e.g. a social worker or just offer medication. Counselling help and support you. you don’t need to go back home if teacher). However, if your GP refers should be offered too. you need medical help. you to another health professional within the NHS, they may ask you if You will need to register with a GP - to Want more help? Self care NHS 111 Pharmacist they can share your notes with that find a GP in your area, use the NHS www.docready.org person via their shared computer Now you are becoming more If you think you need help urgently Your local pharmacist can provide Choices, Find Services System at: This is a really useful website which system. You can say no to this and responsible for your own health and during the day or night you should advice on most common health www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories has also been designed by young well-being there are lots of things you call NHS 111 before you go to any issues. They can suggest and the other health professional will not people for young people. Doc Ready can do at home to help. Many minor other health service. NHS 111 is dispense medicines and other health Your GP can advise, give medicines be able to see all of your notes. helps you get ready for your GP visit illnesses and injuries can be treated available 24 hours a day, 365 days a products. There are often and information and point you in the and in particular, if you are going to at home using over the counter year and is free to call, including from pharmacists in supermarkets and right direction if you need other How to get the most out of discuss your emotional well-being. It medicines from your local a mobile. You will be directed straight many are open late. specialist services. Everything said your GP appointment has lots more information about your pharmacist and getting plenty of rest. away to the local service that can between a GP and a patient is We know that some young people rights and confidentiality. Visit www.nhs.uk where you can find If you are still worried call NHS 111. help you best. Call NHS 111: confidential and a private matter don’t feel comfortable going to their the service locator that will help you • When you need help fast but it’s not between yourself and your GP. GP, especially about their emotional How to make a complaint find the pharmacy nearest to you. life threatening. You will need to make an appointment. well-being. We therefore hope that If you’re not happy with the service • When you think you need to go to You can see your local pharmacist for After 6.30pm weekdays, at weekends the following information will help you have received and you want to A&E or another NHS urgent care a confidential consultation for a wide and public holidays most services are you find the support you need. make a complaint, all GP practices service. range of ailments including coughs, should have a complaints box or covered by a GP out-of-hours service. You can see your GP about a range of • When it’s outside of your GP’s colds, sore throats, pain and procedure. Check with your local surgery. issues including: surgery hours. temperature and lots more. Any • Physical health. • When you do not know who to call medicine dispensed is free if you do Confidentiality • Emotional well-being/mental health for medical help. not pay for your prescriptions. Here are some facts about issues such as depression, anxiety, • If you do not have a local GP to call. confidentiality when going to see self-harm etc. your GP/practice nurse: • Sexual health. Young people have the same right to • Drug and alcohol issues. confidentiality as adults. This means that when you visit your GP (or Your rights! another healthcare professional) they We know that sometimes, going to are not allowed to share what you talk see a GP can be stressful and at times about. So basically, they can’t tell your a frustrating experience. We’ve Teachers Dentist Sexual health services parents/carers unless you give pulled together a list of your rights which will hopefully help you get the Contraception and sexual health permission. The only time your GP Teachers and tutors can be great It is really important that you visit will break this confidentiality is if you most out of your appointment. people to talk to. If they cannot help your dentist twice a year and take clinics offer confidential advice, all methods of contraception including or someone else may be at risk of Did you know? they will be able to point you in the care of your teeth and mouth daily. serious harm or abuse. In this • You can ask for a double right direction. If you've just started college, free condoms, pregnancy testing, advice on unplanned pregnancy, instance, they would usually talk appointment (20 mins) if you need it university or you've moved away through with you the action they (if you have lots to talk about). from home, it's a good idea to register chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing and treatment. All are free of charge. would need to take. • You can bring someone with you to with a local dental practice. your appointment. There may be times when your GP • You have a choice about which GP suggests that it might be helpful for you you see. You can request a male or to discuss your problem with your female and can ask to see the same School nurse Youth Service Young People's Drug & parents/carers or that they phone and GP each time. talk to them. They may be suggesting The School Nursing Team and school Youth Service is an excellent Alcohol Service • If you have a bad experience with a this because they think it would be staff will help support your health informal education, social and particular GP you have a right to ask The service offers counselling and helpful for you. However, if you are and development. personal development service. They for a different GP next time. If there advice to young people who think over 16 and you really don’t want your offer free support, counselling, is only one GP in your practice you They provide confidential advice and they may have a drug problem or are parents/carers to know then you don’t activities, advice, sexual health have a right to move to a different support on issues such as sexual worried about someone else. have to tell them and you can request products and much more to all practice. health, emotional health, physical that the GP does the same. If you are young people between the ages of 13- • You don’t have to have students & health and long-term condition under 16 and the GP is worried that 19 years old and 13-25 years old for trainees in the room with you. You management. you don’t fully understand the those with special needs. The service should always be asked. treatment you need, they have the also supports young carers from age • You will get more from your right to contact your parents without 8. Youth workers have the skills, appointment if you are able to be your consent but would try and talk knowledge and significant honest with your GP and it might this through with you first. experience to work in schools and help to plan out what you want other educational establishments. to say. 4 5 1605-Plymouth Torbay CCI 12-19.qxp_Layout 1 25/01/2017 12:09 Page 11

Know the basics If you are ill or injured, choose from the following services: Concern Service What to do? Grazed knee You can treat minor illnesses and injuries at home Sore throat Self care by using the recommended medicines and Being prepared & knowing the signs Coughs and colds making sure you get plenty of rest www.nhs.uk. As you get older you need to start Paracetamol & ibuprofen Unsure NHS 111 Call NHS 111 when it is less urgent than 999 taking some responsibility for your Fever in itself is just a sign of your Confused For 24 hour health advice Telephone: 111 health, well-being and safety. body fighting an infection. Consider Need help and information. www.nhs.uk/111 Physical health is not just about the using either sugar-free paracetamol health of your body but helping your or ibuprofen if you have a Mild diarrhoea Pharmacist body to work at its full potential temperature of over 38°C, as these Mild skin irritations (including For advice on common To find your local pharmacy and its contact which includes exercise and can help to reduce fever and pain. spots/rash) illnesses, injuries and details visit: www.nhs.uk/chemist nutrition, knowing your body and Mild fever medication. how it works, and how to look after it. Treat with either paracetamol OR High temperature ibuprofen in the first instance. It can Head injuries not involving Depression, anxiety and conduct take up to an hour for either of them loss of consciousness disorder are common in young to work. Paracetamol and ibuprofen Persistent cough people. These are often a direct GP should NOT be taken together at the Worsening health conditions For the treatment of illnesses response to what is happening in same time. Children under 16 should (inside GP hours) Use NHS 111 out-of-hours service and injuries that will not go their lives. Your emotional well- Minor bumps, cuts and not use aspirin. away. possible fractures being is just as important as your Dehydrated physical health. It is important to Health tips Headache speak up if you are feeling unwell or 1. Register with a local GP, dentist Abdominal pain you are unhappy about something and optician. which is happening. Urgent Care 2. Get Condoms (and contraception Severe pain if required) - even if you don’t plan Worsening health conditions When you need healthcare You will face choices that will affect to be sexually active it’s good to be Choking in a hurry 24 hours a day. your health now and in the future A&E prepared. Find out more from your Loss of consciousness A&E or 999 around smoking, alcohol or having Fitting/convulsions local sexual health clinic. Their For serious and life- sex. Broken bones service is confidential and threatening emergencies. • Take responsibility for your health, discreet. NHS 111 is free to call from any landline or contract mobile phone. Pay-as-you-go mobile phones require 1 pence credit to make a call. well-being and safety. 3. Sleep and eat. Getting enough • Find out what to do if you are sleep and eating well will mean unwell or injured. you have a better chance of • Smoking or taking drugs puts your staying healthy. If you are concerned or need advice, choose from the following services: health in danger. 4. Make taking showers, brushing • It is not safe to have unprotected Concern Service What to do? your teeth, cleaning and drying sex, find out more and do not be your clothes and using deodorant forced into doing anything you do If you: a part of your personal hygiene Local sexual health or GUM clinic not want to. Need advice on contraception Your GP routine. Think you may have an STI Sexual health services • Be aware of digital safety. If you are aged 16-24 you can request a free Think you may be pregnant • Speak to an adult you trust if you Make sure you have all your health chlamydia testing kit are unhappy about something in details - either your Red Book or your life. Health Passport - as you may need this in the future. If you don’t have Learn how to spot the signs of If you are: them check with your parent/carer serious illness and how to cope if an Feeling low or depressed Mental health services GP and they can help you get this Worried Voluntary services NHS 111 accident happens. If you know the information. Self-harming Childline 0800 111 Samaritans basics and you are prepared, you Feeling suicidal will find it easier to cope. Source: www.nhs.uk/Livewell Keep a small supply of useful medicines at home. Make sure you If you are: 999 emergency services Call 999 in an emergency Worried about personal safety always follow instructions carefully Local Safeguarding Domestic violence helpline 24 hour Worried about domestic violence and check use by dates. Read the Board 0808 2000 247 A victim of crime label carefully.

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Common illnesses & conditions

Coughs & colds Taking some time out for yourself Glandular fever There are some good things about can help avoid stress-related Glandular fever is a type of viral catching a few coughs and colds - it headaches. infection that mostly affects young helps build-up your natural Most headaches can be treated adults. Common symptoms include: defences and fight off viruses. “at home with paracetamol or • A high temperature (fever). • A severely sore throat. Most bugs will run their course ibuprofen. • Swollen glands in the neck. without doing any real harm because Always check the label for the ” • Fatigue (extreme tiredness) . they are viruses which get better on correct dosage. While the symptoms of glandular their own. However, there are things Migraines fever can be very unpleasant, most you can do at home to help: Migraines are the most common of them should pass within two to • Drink lots of fluids. cause of frequent headaches in three weeks. Feeling very tired can • Try paracetamol or ibuprofen - young people. They often come on occasionally last several months. always check the label for the suddenly and as well as a headache, correct information (children you may feel sick, have tummy ache, When to seek medical advice under 16 should not take aspirin). or have changes to your vision. You You should contact your GP or tell • Keep away from smoke. may want to avoid bright lights and someone if you suspect that you have • Remember that coughing is the loud noises as the pain often gets glandular fever. Your GP can provide body’s way of keeping the lungs better after a sleep. Migraines are not advice and support to help you clear. usually serious, but can interfere with control your symptoms and reduce life, so talk to your GP if you are the risk of passing on the infection. Diarrhoea & being sick having frequent headaches or if they Gastroenteritis, otherwise known as You should go to your local accident are associated with other symptoms and emergency (A&E) department a stomach bug or food poisoning, is such as dizziness, vomiting and fever. something you are likely to get at or dial 999 for an ambulance if you have glandular fever and you: some point. Most cases resolve Acne themselves within a few days, • Develop a rasping breath or have Around 80% of teenagers get some any breathing difficulties. without the need for medical form of acne and there are many • Find swallowing fluids difficult. treatment. myths about what causes it. Acne • Develop intense abdominal pain. Ensure you drink plenty of consists of spots and painful bumps These symptoms can be a sign of a “water so that you don’t become on the skin. It’s most noticeable on complication of glandular fever that dehydrated. the face, but can also appear on the back, shoulders and buttocks. may need to be treated in hospital. Be extra careful with hand hygiene ” Severe acne can cause scarring, so it What causes glandular fever? (use soap and water and dry hands is important to get treated. Glandular fever is caused by a virus well with a clean towel). found in the saliva of infected Acne is mostly due to the way people and can be spread through: If the gastroenteritis lasts for more “skin reacts to hormonal • Kissing – glandular fever is often than three or four days, get advice changes. referred to as the ‘kissing disease’. from a health professional, such as Cases of teenage acne are thought to • Exposure to coughs and sneezes. your GP or pharmacist. be triggered” by increased levels of a • Sharing eating and drinking hormone called testosterone that utensils, such as cups, cans, glasses Headaches & migraines occurs during puberty. Headaches and unwashed cutlery. Treatments are available from your Headaches are quite common and The virus may be found in the saliva pharmacy but if there is no most headaches are not due to a for several months after the improvement, you should visit your serious health problem. They can be symptoms pass, and some people GP who can assess how bad your brought on by skipping meals, not may continue to have the virus in acne is and discuss the options with getting enough sleep, using their saliva on and off for years. computers, video games or other you. If acne is severe, your GP can If you have had glandular fever, take machines for a long time without refer you to a dermatologist (an steps to avoid infecting others while breaks and occasionally from expert in treating skin conditions). you are ill, such as not kissing. There's playing sport which can make you Treatments can take between two to no need to avoid all contact with dehydrated. They can be avoided by three months to work but, once they others as the chances of passing on making sure you get enough food, do, the results are usually effective. the infection are generally low. drink and sleep. 8 9 1605-Plymouth Torbay CCI 12-19.qxp_Layout 1 25/01/2017 12:09 Page 15

More serious conditions

Diabetes Early days Meningitis & Septicaemia The glass test nurse and the welfare officer at your There are 2 types of diabetes (types 1 On diagnosis at the hospital, your Meningitis and meningococcal Press the side of a glass firmly against school, college or university to see and 2). We talk mostly about type 1 specialist diabetes team will help septicaemia (blood poisoning) are the rash so you can see if it fades what they can do to support you. and support you to manage your under pressure. If it doesn’t fade call diabetes as this is the type which serious diseases that can affect Everybody with asthma is diabetes. Children and young people 999 or go to A&E immediately. happens to children and young anyone at any time. Fortunately, “different, and everybody deals are cared for by a specialist diabetes people. You can’t catch diabetes, it most young people in the UK have If you are feeling very ill, get help with asthma differently. team at the hospital. This team has: isn’t a bug, you ‘develop’ it. Type 1 already had the MenC vaccine, but if anyway, even if the rash fades or For most people, asthma shouldn't • A consultant paediatrician who diabetes happens when the body you haven’t or can’t remember, doesn’t appear at all. It can be harder stop you enjoying everything” in life, specialises in diabetes. does not produce enough insulin. getting vaccinated is a good way to to see a rash on darker skin. including relationships. This means that glucose produced in • Children and young person’s protect yourself. But remember, the breakdown of food (digestion) specialist diabetes nurses. vaccines can’t prevent all forms of Students and young people will be Taking your medications as directed stays in the blood. • A dietician who is trained in the meningitis and septicaemia. offered a new Meningitis C vaccine. will help prevent long-term health needs of children and young people. The Men ACWY vaccine is given by a problems. Always carry your If you are diagnosed, (your GP or a • A psychologist with a speciality in What are the signs and symptoms? single injection into the upper arm and relevant inhaler. health professional has confirmed Many of the early signs - vomiting, children and young people. protects against four different causes Things you may be asked you have it), you may feel fever, aches, general tiredness and of meningitis and septicaemia. If you Soon you'll be confident enough to Have a think about the sorts of things overwhelmed, angry, and worried headaches - are also signs of less are going to college or university for take the first steps towards managing people might ask you. For example: about the future. You will now need serious illnesses like colds and flu or the first time, contact your GP. insulin injections, or insulin using an your diabetes. You will be in regular even a hangover but someone with • What are your asthma symptoms? touch with your diabetes care team. Everyone has different symptoms. insulin pump. A Diabetes Care Team meningitis or septicaemia will become Asthma will help and support you, you are The team keep in touch via clinics, seriously ill in a matter of hours. For example, not everyone wheezes As you grow and develop as a young not alone. some of which are in the evening as Contact your GP or call NHS 111 before when they have an asthma attack. adult new opportunities and well as email and telephone. The things could get more serious. • What are your asthma triggers? It's perfectly normal to have specialist nurses can visit you at challenges come up every day. But • What are your asthma medicines “difficult feelings when you are home and at school. Symptoms can appear in any what if you also have a lifelong and where do you keep them? diagnosed with diabetes. “order and not everyone gets all of condition, such as asthma, and are • What should they do when you have However, the condition doesn't have Signs and symptoms the symptoms. stepping out into the world for the an asthma attack? You might like to to take away your freedom, ”or end Contact your GP urgently if you first time on your own? The main signs and symptoms of give them an asthma attack card. your usual family life, it just means notice the signs below. If you cannot ” meningitis include: fever, very bad If you are travelling, staying with • What does it feel like to have you have to carefully manage your get an appointment the same day headache, vomiting, stiff neck, dislike friends or moving out make sure you asthma? Not everyone relates to condition as part of daily life. please attend a Walk-In Centre or hard facts so you could make it A&E and explain your symptoms. of bright lights, rash, confusion, are prepared. delirium, severe sleepiness, losing personal to you. Then you may find • Feeling very thirsty and having a From friends, family, partner, people consciousness, seizures. that people understand a lot better. dry mouth. at school or college there will always • Going to the toilet frequently, How is meningitis spread? be certain people that you may feel Do you have an asthma action plan? If you use an asthma management particularly at night. The bacteria that cause these awkward or nervous talking to you plan you are four times less likely to • Feeling very tired and drowsy. diseases are spread by coughing, about your asthma. It’s your choice have an attack that requires • Weight loss. sneezing and intimate kissing. It can about who you choose to tell. • Signs that you could be seriously also be spread by sharing drinks. emergency hospital treatment. Fill this Feelings of stress or anxiety can be a unwell - all of the above plus Outbreaks tend to occur where in with your GP/practice nurse. It will trigger for your asthma. Study can be vomiting, abdominal pain and people live or work closely together, help you to know what medicine to stressful especially around exam difficulty breathing. such as university halls of residence. take and when, how to recognise time. If you find it brings on your when your asthma symptoms change asthma speak to your GP/practice and what to do when this happens.

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A positive body image

Getting the balance right Turn on the TV, browse social media Facts about eating disorders: sites or flick through a magazine and 1. Eating disorders can be beaten. chances are you'll see pictures of 2. An eating disorder is serious. perfect looking celebrities staring 3. An eating disorder is not a dieting back. This might affect your body craze. image and could make you feel bad 4. An eating disorder is not attention about yourself or that you should try seeking. to change the way you are. 5. An eating disorder is an illness. Many young people who are perfectly Boys as well as girls can have normal and healthy feel that they “eating disorders. don't look ‘right’ because they are comparing themselves to role models Look out for: ” such as pop stars, models or other Signs of Anorexia include: celebrities who are often seen as • Eating less and less. skinny. This can lead to an unhealthy • Losing a lot of weight very quickly. body image. If you do feel that you are • Growing more body hair (usually overweight, talk to an adult you can girls). trust and try to find out more about Signs of Bulimia include: healthy eating and exercise. • Eating too much in one go. • Going to the toilet after eating to be It’s a good idea to eat well and sick. “stay a healthy weight but some • Sore throat and mouth infections. young people, can take dieting too far and develop an eating Skinny & fat shaming disorder. We usually hear about body The two main” types of eating shaming being directed at women disorders are anorexia nervosa with curves. But that's not always the which is when you starve yourself case - skinny shaming can be just as and bulimia nervosa which is when damaging. you make yourself sick after you eat This may be a simple comment like or take laxatives. They are both very ‘when did you last have a good bad for you. meal?’ from a friend or perhaps more Make sure you talk to an adult or damaging messages from strangers friend you trust to get the help you via facebook and twitter. need. It’s up to all of us to stop the well Could this be you? known stereotype of a thing called skinny shaming. Skinny shaming If you have an eating disorder: and fat shaming are not separate, • It's hard to cope with an eating opposing issues - they are the same disorder alone - talk to someone issue. We are all equal and all bodies you trust. are beautiful. Accept yourself for • If you are worried ask your parent YOU and others for who they are and or carer to make an appointment you will be truly beautiful. for you with your GP. • Remember that the sooner you get some help, the easier it will be for you to beat your problem. If a friend has an eating disorder: • Tell them that you’re worried and that you’re there for them. • Get them to see their GP. • Set a good example and show your friend how important it is to have a healthy diet. 12 13 1605-Plymouth Torbay CCI 12-19.qxp_Layout 1 25/01/2017 12:09 Page 19

Sex & sexual health

It’s not worth the risk

If you are sexually active, it is Under pressure • Don’t have sex because your “important that you use boyfriend or girlfriend wants you to contraception which both but you’re not sure. It’s completely partners have agreed to in order to up to you. avoid pregnancy. • Remember it’s against the law to Most contraception is 99% reliable. have sex if you’re under 16. You can get pregnant” or get a • Don’t let your judgement be sexually transmitted infection (STI) affected by drugs or alcohol. You even if it is the first time you have may be drunk and agree or do sex so use a condom to prevent STIs. something you would not normally Use a LARC (long-acting reversible do. Try to plan ahead and think contraception) like an implant to what you would do if you get into a prevent pregnancy. difficult situation. Be prepared with Becoming a teenage parent can be a condom. challenging so it is a good idea to think and plan contraception, so you Chlamydia is a real risk are prepared. It is also unpleasant Chlamydia is the most commonly and painful to have an STI. diagnosed STI. There is a C-card scheme and you will Most people who are infected need to register for a card which you “have no symptoms, so they do not can use to get free condoms as well as know they have it. advice and help. It is a confidential If left untreated, it can cause service for all young people which complications including” infertility. offers condoms even if you are 15 or Condoms can protect against under and you have discussed your chlamydia. needs with our sexual health professionals and they agree.

What to do If you have had unprotected “sex, emergency contraception can stop you getting pregnant as long as you take it within 120 hours. Ask your GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic for advice. ” If you’ve had unprotected sex and your period is late, take a pregnancy test at your GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. Go to your GP or sexual health clinic to find out about different types of contraception. Talk to your parent/ carer about what to do. If you feel you can’t there are lots of places to get help and advice.

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Teenage pregnancy

Support is available Finding out you’re pregnant or your See your GP, they will: girlfriend is pregnant can be a big • Ask the date of your last period so surprise if you haven’t planned it. you know how far along your pregnancy is. You might feel scared about telling • Encourage you to start taking anyone, or worried about the future. vitamins to make sure you and It’s a good idea to tell someone close your baby are healthy - ask about to you. If you don’t feel ready to talk to your free folic acid and vitamin D your parents yet, confide in a friend. prescription. Dads too might not feel ready to be a • Help organise an appointment with father just yet. Having a baby means a midwife who will support you big changes in your life but it can be during your pregnancy. really exciting, too. Taking good care of yourself will help you and your baby stay healthy and it’s important to see your GP as soon as possible. Make sure you go to your appointments. Smoking, drinking alcohol and “taking drugs are all bad for you and your baby and can have permanent effects on you both. If you’re still at school, you can get” help to continue your education. There’s also help to find you a job if you’re old enough to leave school. Just because you are a parent doesn’t mean your education has to end. Find out about your entitlements and benefits. If you’re pregnant Don’t hide it. The sooner you tell someone, the better. That way you can plan what’s going to happen in the future. If you think your girlfriend is “pregnant, encourage them to talk about how they’re feeling. They’ll need a lot of support. If you’re pregnant but not” sure what you’re going to do, contact your local family planning clinic to discuss your options. You can still get a good education if you become a parent. There’s lots of help out there for you.

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Relationships

Talk about it Grooming & exploitation take photos because their boyfriend I try to treat people I cross Grooming is when someone builds or girlfriend said “if you loved me paths with in the same way I would “ an emotional connection with a you would do this” reassuring them like to be treated. child to gain their trust for the that no one else would see this You can have all sorts” of different purposes of sexual abuse or picture. Photos like these are often relationships that can be fulfilling exploitation. not respected and can be posted as and rewarding, for example with revenge or shown around carelessly Sometimes people are not who we friends, parents, families, neighbours to anyone else. Once someone hits think, or want us to think they are. and teachers. However, relationships send, they have ultimately lost Paedophile networks groom young aren’t always easy and you might control of that picture and where it people, by making them believe have problems sometimes. Just may end up. Each action online they are their friends. They have remember to keep talking to each leaves a digital footprint and sophisticated tactics. They befriend other. Talking and communicating everything anyone does online is young people, giving them gifts, helps in many ways. out there in cyberspace even if you money, drugs and alcohol and use think something has been deleted. Friends are very important to young violence and intimidation to control people. They are good for mental them, subjecting them to abuse. You do not have to feel forced health, well-being and self- “into doing anything you are not Children and young people can be confidence. It’s hard when you argue, comfortable with. groomed online or in the real world, and you can feel confused and upset. Talk to someone you trust if you feel by a stranger or by someone they ” It’s better to have a few friends who pressured. Any incidents of bullying know - for example a family want the best for you than lots of are unacceptable no matter where member, friend or professional. friends who try and make you do they are and should not be tolerated. Groomers may be male or female. things you don’t want to do. Do not dismiss sexist language or They could be any age. They are not behaviour as funny. Many young people think that your friends and you must speak out having a boyfriend or girlfriend is as soon as you can, before things get Some people feel a need to gain the most important relationship - but any worse. attention and notoriety from the don’t feel you have to just because sexting which can often be a result Sometimes young people can be your friends are, or do anything of insecurity or a lack of confidence. radicalised into changing their you’re not ready for. beliefs and groomed by extremists Is sexting legal? Similarly you may feel put to commit crimes and get involved The law is quite clear on sexting. It is “under pressure to be in a in terrorist activity. illegal to take, possess or share relationship which may even 'indecent images’ of anyone under 18 include a forced marriage. Sexting even if you're the person in the Sexting is the sending and receiving picture. If you are under the age of 18, Signs include ” of naked pictures, 'underwear shots', the law sees you as a child. Therefore, if you have any indecent images or • Becoming unhappy or withdrawn. sexual or 'dirty pics' or rude text videos of somebody who is under 18 • Missing school. messages or videos. This can be via you would technically be in • You should not be made to do mobile phones, social networks, possession of an indecent image of a anything you don’t want to do or emails or social apps. child - even if you are the same age. encouraged to take part in things Most mobile phones and tablets have which make you scared. built in cameras and most are linked up to email and social network Talking helps accounts. • To have good relationships with people, you need to talk about how Police have warned of the you’re feeling. “dangers sexting can have • Treat people the way you’d like to including loss of control and be treated and listen to what they’re leaving young people at the risk of saying. being exploited by paedophiles • If you’re having problems with your and sexual predators. . parents or carer, talk to someone Many young people feel” under outside the family who you trust, pressure to send nude or sexual like a friend or teacher. photos of themselves, or let others

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Bullying & peer pressure

The real story Bullying at school, can often be things Is your friend being bullied? Are you feeling peer pressure? like name calling, hitting, happy- • Take their worries seriously. • It’s hard if you’re the only one saying slapping or stealing someone’s things. • Stick up for them. ‘no’ but be brave. It also includes stuff that’s less visible, • They might want you to be with • If your friends want you to do like sending nasty texts or spreading them for support when they tell something, ask yourself how you gossip about someone. their parents, carers or teacher. really feel about it, and stick to what you believe in. People get picked on for lots of Cyberbullying • If you say ‘no’ to something, real reasons. Being bullied can make you Cyberbullying is bullying by text, friends should respect your dread going to school and can also instant messaging or email messages. decision. If they don’t, maybe you make you feel depressed, lonely and It can be making insulting comments need to find new friends. even suicidal. about someone on the internet • It’s better to have a few friends than If you're being bullied, you’re not through a website or through social lots of friends who try and make alone. You might feel that there's no networking sites. It can also be the you do things you don’t want to do. way out but there are lots of ways to uploading of embarrassing videos or Is a friend of yours feeling peer get help. photographs by people you trusted pressure? on the internet or distributing them If people are making nasty • If your friend doesn’t want to do by mobile phones. This is called “remarks about you then it may be something either, back them up. ‘sexting’. because they are jealous. This can really help them, and make Perhaps you're better looking than Do not respond to the messages, peer pressure easier to resist. they are, work harder or perhaps” the save them or take a screen shot as • Help them to make their own teachers like you better. One way of evidence. There are ‘report abuse’ choices - they will gain confidence. dealing with remarks is to simply facilities on many websites. • Don’t put pressure on your friends. ignore them each time so that you show them that it isn’t having the Peer pressure effect of upsetting you in the way Peer pressure is when you think you they think. should do something because other people your age say you should, or The bullies will have worked out because you think everyone else is what buttons to push to make you doing it too. Sometimes people do upset. Don’t try to hide it or ignore it - things because they want to be liked, tell a friend, tell a teacher and tell or they worry that they’ll get teased your parents/carers. It won't stop if they don’t follow the crowd. unless you do. Some of the things you might feel Spotting the signs pressure to do now or in the future: Signs someone’s being bullied: • Wear the same clothes as your mates. • They become unhappy or • Drink alcohol, smoke or take drugs. withdrawn. • Commit a crime. • They start missing school. • Change your friends because your • They’ve got physical injuries they other mates don’t like them. don't want to talk about or try to hide. • Skip school. • They pretend to be ill. • Have a boyfriend or girlfriend. • Start having sex. Are you being bullied? • It probably won’t stop until you tell It’s normal to want to fit in with someone you trust. “everyone else, but in the end • Act confidently to send out the people will think you’re a lot message that you’re not afraid. cooler if you learn to make your • Stay with others - you’re more likely own decisions. to be picked on if you’re on your own. Just because people say they are • Keep a diary and save all text doing something,” doesn’t mean that messages as evidence. they are. 20 21 1605-Plymouth Torbay CCI 12-19.qxp_Layout 1 25/01/2017 12:09 Page 27

Difficulties at home

You don’t have to cope alone Young people often experience Living with parents tensions at home. Your relationships If living at home with your parents is a with the people you live with can be problem, there may be steps you can the source of all kinds of problems. take to improve things. Find out what Sometimes the situation is more to do if you don't feel safe at home. serious than others, but whatever is going on, it can take up a lot of your Don't feel you have to move before head-space and make you feel bad. you're ready. But if you don't feel safe at home, or if your parents tell you to Remember, it’s not your fault and you leave, get advice on what to do next. don’t have to cope alone. Once you are 16 years old, if your Talk it through with someone parents ask you to leave, you “you trust, like a parent/carer, probably have to go. teacher or friend, and get the help If you're under 16, your parents have and support you need. a legal responsibility to look after Or get in touch with one ”of the you and make sure you have support organisations listed under somewhere safe to stay otherwise 'Useful Contacts'. When you can get help from social communication breaks down you services. However, if you are not can lose perspective on what is getting on with them, they may happening. The key is to find ways to make you leave anyway. build up your resilience, so that you can cope better. Get advice immediately if you find yourself in this situation. Call You may be experiencing abuse Shelter's free housing advice (physical, emotional or sexual) at helpline on 0808 800 4444 for home, or maybe you have a advice on where to stay. parent/carer or sibling who is taking drugs or drinking too much and you Think about the practicalities of feel that things are getting out of leaving home and getting your own control. It can be just as upsetting to place (rent, bills, doing your own feel caught up in problems between washing and cleaning and so on) as other family members. It is well as all the good things. If you know important that you keep yourself anyone who has recently left home, safe. Talk to someone to get some talk to them about their experiences. help and support. Talk to your family about wanting to leave home Domestic violence Explain your reasons to your family for wanting to leave home. They Domestic violence includes may be able to help you find a new threatening behaviour, violence, “ home or help you to organise all the psychological, sexual, financial or things you need to live on your own. emotional abuse. They may even be able to help you It also includes forced marriage, with a tenancy deposit. female genital mutilation” and so called honour killings. Domestic Visit your council's housing options abuse is a crime and a major social centre to discuss your options. problem affecting many families. Running away If you are worried about domestic There are a number of reasons why violence, talk to someone who you may want to leave home, but understands such as your school getting help while you're still at home nurse or the 24-hour National is usually a better option than Domestic Violence Freephone running away. Helpline 0808 2000 247. Source: Shelter.org.uk

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FGM

You don’t have to cope alone Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a It may be difficult to talk about the How can I get help? crime in this country. It is also a issue, but it is important to tell If you think you or another girl or crime to take a British national or someone that this has happened to woman is at risk of FGM it is permanent resident abroad for FGM you, or that you think it may happen important to speak up now. If there is or to help someone trying to do this. to yourself or someone you know. immediate risk call the police on 999. Girls may be taken to their countries FGM is illegal in the UK and is of origin so that FGM can be carried If the girl or woman has already been “considered a human rights taken abroad, you should phone the out during the summer holidays, violation and a form of child allowing them time to ‘heal’ before Foreign and Commonwealth Office abuse. they return to school. There are also on 020 7008 1500. worries that some girls may have FGM is ”often performed on girls NSPCC have a helpline dedicated to FGM performed in the UK. between the ages of five and eight. FGM that is anonymous and open However FGM can be performed on 24/7, you can call them on What is FGM? babies, teenagers, and sometimes 0800 028 3550. FGM refers to all procedures involving even on adult women. The age differs partial or total removal of the external from community to community. Your Local Social Services female genitalia or other injury to the • 60,000 girls under 15 are at risk of Department will be able to protect female genital organs for cultural or FGM in the UK. you or provide support, you can other non-medical reasons. FGM has • 137,000 girls and women are living contact them through your local serious implications for the sexual with the consequences of FGM in council www.gov.uk/find-your-local- and reproductive health of girls and the UK. council. women. Your Local Police Child Protection Psychological complications The effects of FGM depend on a Unit will be able to protect you or Studies show that FGM may affect a number of factors, including the type provide support, you can contact woman psychologically for the rest performed, the expertise of the them through your local police of her life. Some psychological practitioner, the hygiene conditions station. effects include: under which it is performed, the • Anger at the person who For more information on services amount of resistance and the general performed FGM or arranged for available and one-to-one support health condition of the girl FGM to be carried out. you can call FORWARD on undergoing the procedure. • Emotional distress, fear and 0208 960 4000. We are open Complications may occur in all types feelings of helplessness. Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to of FGM. Immediate complications • Post-traumatic stress disorder - 5:30 pm or email us at include severe pain, shock, symptoms can include flashbacks, [email protected] haemorrhage, tetanus or infection, nightmares, anxiety and depression urine retention, ulceration of the for a long time after FGM. FGM and the Law genital region and injury to adjacent • Sexual phobia resulting in fear and tissue, wound infection, urinary In the UK the FGM Act (2003) difficulties in having sex. infection, fever, and septicaemia. “makes it illegal to help, support or • Feelings of not being a ‘whole’ or a Haemorrhage and infection can be arrange for FGM to be performed ‘normal’ girl or woman may be felt by severe enough to cause death. on a girl either in the UK or some girls/women because of FGM. abroad. FGM procedures can also cause • A woman’s sexual pleasure is The offence can be punished by up “many psychological problems as greatly decreased, this can have to 14 years” in prison, a fine, or both. well as problems with giving birth negative effects in a marriage and in Without engagement with affected later in life - including the death of sexual relations. However, FGM communities to abandon FGM, laws the baby. does not take away sexual desire. alone will not be enough to end this This is because sexual relations are There are no health benefits to FGM. practice. ” more than physical; feelings such as Removing and damaging healthy love, passion and companionship and normal female genital tissue are also important for pleasure. interferes with the natural functions of girls' and women's bodies.

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Drugs, substances & alcohol

It’s a choice - you can say ‘no’ Lots of young people want to know The new law excludes alcohol, about drugs and alcohol - this nicotine, caffeine, and medical doesn’t mean you have to take them products. or feel like you should just because Offenders can face up to seven years people around you might be. in jail. The Act will also enable police There are lots of reasons why people to shut down ‘headshops’ (stores drink or take drugs, sometimes it is from which ‘legal highs’ and drugs because they think it’s going to be paraphernalia can be bought) and fun. Drugs can seriously affect your online dealers. However, new ’legal health and the way you see the highs’ are being created all the time, world around you - what may seem meaning that it may be hard to fun at first can easily start leading to control them. There are also fears serious problems which you may that the sale of ‘legal highs’ could find difficult to try and solve without move to the dark web. additional support. It is easy to get into drug debts, start dropping out of Are you drinking too much? education or training, have Most young people choose not to arguments at home, be exploited or use drugs or alcohol and it is a myth get involved in an accident or that you need to drink or use drugs criminal activity. There are many to enjoy yourself. It's a good idea to risks with any drink or drug use, so make sure that you have good ask yourself, is it really worth it? factual information about these substances before you decide if you Prescription medicines and those are going to use them. that are available from a pharmacist can often be misused. Extreme care Health officials tell us that an should be taken when using “alcohol-free childhood is the medicines as they can have serious healthiest and best option. side effects. Even too much They say that it is best not to drink paracetamol can have a life-long until at least the age of 15. If you” are effect on your liver! Only use them between 15 and 17 and are going to for the purposes they have been drink alcohol, it is safer to drink only prescribed. Children under 16 very small amounts under adult should not use aspirin. supervision. Even small amounts of alcohol can lead to a number of ‘Legal highs’ health problems as well as becoming ‘Legal highs’ are no longer legal a victim of crime, being vulnerable under the Psychoactive Substances to assault and doing something you Act 2016 . This means there is a may regret later. Alcohol can affect blanket ban on the production, different people in different ways, distribution, sale and supply of legal even what may seem like a very highs which are intended for human small amount can be harmful. consumption. If you think you may be drinking too What does the Act mean by much or you or other people are ‘psychoactive’? worried about your drinking then For the purposes of this Act, a seek information about cutting substance produces a psychoactive down. effect in a person if, by stimulating or If you feel under pressure to drink depressing the person’s central alcohol or are drinking because you nervous system, it affects the have problems, try to address this by person’s mental functioning or talking to an adult you trust or a emotional state. sensible friend. 26 27 1605-Plymouth Torbay CCI 12-19.qxp_Layout 1 25/01/2017 12:09 Page 33

Healthy lifestyles

Balance is the key Being healthy is a big part of being Five Ways to Well-being Sunbeds happy. A healthy lifestyle simply Connect... Sunbeds aren't a safe alternative to means that the way you are day to With family, friends, colleagues and tanning outdoors. Like the sun, day, makes you feel physically and neighbours at home, school, work, sunbeds give out harmful ultraviolet mentally fit and well. or in your local community. light which damage the DNA in our skin cells and can cause skin cancer. What is a healthy lifestyle? Be active... Being active makes you feel good. Sunbeds also cause premature skin Balance is the key, it's about ageing, which means that your skin Take notice... “what you put into your body and becomes coarse, leathery and Be aware of the world around you also how you burn that energy wrinkled at a younger age. So when and what you are feeling. off. the tan fades, the damage remains. Food is burned in our bodies to Keep learning... ” People with fair skin that tends to create energy. If we don't use it, we Learning new things is fun and will burn are at higher risk of problems get fat - simple! make you feel more confident. from sunbed use than those with If your lifestyle is not a healthy Give... darker skin. Young people also have balance - for instance through not Do something nice for someone. delicate skin and are more likely to exercising, eating too much fatty and damage it by using sunbeds. sugary foods, drinking alcohol, Sunburn: Stay safe in the sun You should NEVER use a getting involved in drugs or by It’s the damage done to your skin “sunbed if you are under 18. keeping worries and problems to when you’re young that could lead yourself - you are more likely to to skin cancer developing in later www.sunsmart.org.uk ” become ill, have trouble life, so it's vital to get clued up now concentrating at school or work or be and protect yourself from the sun. unhappy or depressed. Being active can reduce your stress levels and can Love the sun, respect your skin. give you the time to think clearly. Avoid the pain and shame of the Your lifestyle has a big effect on how lobster look by following our five you feel and what you get out of life, simple steps. both now and in the future. So it's a 1. Cover up your skin. Throw on a good idea to find out more about long sleeved shirt or top that ideally how to live healthily. has a collar and a sarong or long shorts to banish those burning rays. There are many other areas of 2. Slap on the suncream. Apply “our health we need to think about generous amounts of water like sexual health, healthy teeth, resistant suncream of at least drugs, alcohol and generally SPF30 and above, to clean, dry looking after ourselves. skin before going out in the sun. ” Make sure you re-apply regularly What you can do throughout the day. • Be responsible for your own health, 3. Wear a hat or cap. Whether it's a only you know how you feel. stylish fedora, a trilby or a baseball • Keep it fun! Healthy living is all cap, all can help to keep the heat about getting the balance right, off your head, face, neck and ears. enjoying yourself and being happy 4. Style it up with shades. Slip on is a key part of a healthy lifestyle. those sunglasses to make sure • Get active! See if your friends would your eyes are protected from the like to go rollerblading or play strong rays of the sun. football rather than watching TV. 5. Chill out in the shade. When the • You don't need to join an expensive sun’s rays are strongest between gym to get fit. Jog in the park or 11am and 3pm, find a shady spot to walk home, every bit helps! avoid the burn. • If you feel anxious or depressed talk to your parent or carer, GP or Fake it! teacher. Use an instant tanner instead. www.teenagecancertrust.org 28 29 1605-Plymouth Torbay CCI 12-19.qxp_Layout 1 25/01/2017 12:09 Page 35

HPV inoculation

Protection for up to 20 years All girls aged 12 to 13 are offered the Do I have to have the vaccine? HPV (human papillomavirus) You will have to sign a consent form vaccination as part of the NHS before you can be vaccinated. Make childhood vaccination programme. sure you have thought things through, The vaccine protects against cervical the HPV vaccine has a good safety cancer. This is a serious and record and will protect you against potentially life threatening disease. cervical cancer for many years. It's usually given to girls in year eight at schools in England. Speak to your school nurse if you“ want more information, on The HPV vaccine consists of two her own, or with your parent or injections into the upper arm spaced carer if you prefer. at least six, and not more than 24 months apart. Is the vaccine safe?” It's a safe vaccine and there are The vaccine has undergone rigorous “very few girls who aren't suitable safety testing as part of the licensing for HPV vaccination. process required in the UK and other However, special precautions may European countries. need to be taken if the girl” being vaccinated has certain health How effective is the HPV conditions, or has ever had a severe vaccine? allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Talk to The vaccine is 99% effective in your school nurse if you are worried. preventing the cervical abnormalities that can lead to cervical cancer Research has indicated that the HPV caused by HPV types 16 and 18*. vaccine protects against cervical cancer for at least 20 years. Are there any side effects? As with most vaccines, the most How is HPV infection spread? common side effect is mild to HPV is spread through skin contact, moderate swelling, redness and pain often during sex. Using a barrier form at the site where the injection is of contraception can reduce your risk given. Other mild side effects might of becoming infected. However, as be slightly raised temperature, condoms do not cover the entire sickness and muscle aches. Very genital area and are often put on after rarely, some people have an allergic sexual contact has begun, a condom reaction soon after immunisation. is no guarantee against the spread of This reaction may be a rash or HPV. For most people, HPV infections itching affecting part or all of the come and go without any symptoms. body. It is not a reason to stop having Sometimes, the virus may remain HPV vaccinations. inactive for months after infection. Although most girls don't start Can girls who missed HPV having sex until after they're 16 years vaccination still have it? of age, it's important to get protection Yes, if a girl misses either of her early enough and the very best time vaccinations, for whatever reason, is in the early teenage years. she can speak to her nurse or GP about making another appointment, The HPV vaccine does not ideally as close as possible to the “replace the importance of safe sex original one. or the need for regular cervical screening. Girls can have the HPV vaccination Discuss this with your school nurse. on the NHS up to the age of 18. Girls ” who have the HPV vaccination after the age of 15 will need three doses as the response to two doses is not so good in older girls. * Source: www.gov.uk

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Stressed out or feeling low

How to cope Depression, stress and anxiety are Could this be you? serious and common problems. The • Being self-critical, self-blaming and first step to getting help is to be able hating yourself. to recognise the problem. • Feeling out of control. Sometimes it is easy to put ourselves • Becoming stressed about minor under too much pressure; we can things. worry about how we look, about • Becoming withdrawn, avoiding exams or about what other people friends, family and regular think of us. activities. • Feeling guilty or bad. People are more at risk of • Feeling unhappy, miserable and “becoming depressed if they are lonely a lot of the time. under a lot of stress and have no • Finding it difficult to concentrate. one to share their worries with. • Not looking after your personal Depression is commonly caused ”by appearance. a mixture of things rather than any • Changes in sleep pattern, tiredness one thing alone. Some people have and lack of energy. experiences that lead to depression • Frequent minor health problems. including family breakdown, the • Not enjoying life anymore. death or loss of a loved one, stress, • Depression increases the risk of abuse, bullying and physical illness. using drugs, alcohol or solvents. Depression can also be triggered if • Are you being bullied, exploited or too many changes happen in your suffering abuse? life too quickly. What to do next Depression can cause serious • Try to understand why you are problems, such as: feeling this way. • Difficulties getting on with friends • Talk to someone and don’t keep it and family. to yourself. • Loss of friends. • You can talk to your GP in • Loss of confidence and difficulty confidence if you have felt down for making decisions. a long time. • Inability to study, work and perform well in exams. • Difficulty with day to day tasks. • Eating problems, turning to food for comfort and eating or dieting excessively. • Lying, stealing and missing school. Simply talking to someone you trust and who you feel understands can lighten the burden. It can also make it easier to work out practical solutions to problems. For example, if you are stressed out by exams or study, you could talk to your teacher. Keep as active and as occupied “as possible and allow for fun and leisure time.” 32 33 1605-Plymouth Torbay CCI 12-19.qxp_Layout 1 25/01/2017 12:09 Page 39

Self-harm

Understanding and support Self-harming is hurting yourself on Who can help purpose so you bleed, leave a scar, If you are self-harming, there is help mark, bruise or take an overdose. available and it is important to get The most common ways to self- the support you need. harm are cutting, scratching, hair pulling and burning. Some may use Many young people who self-harm do drugs or alcohol as a form of self- so privately and do not want to talk to harm. Girls are thought to be more other people about it, sometimes for likely to self-harm than boys, but this fear of how people will react, thinking is because boys are more likely to that they might not understand. punch out at walls, which isn't If you can talk to someone, this always recognised as self-harm. “may help how you are feeling. People self-harm for different reasons. If you don’t want to talk to your ” Some people feel bad because they’re parents or carer, you could talk to being bullied or abused, some may be your grandparents, another relative, stressed or are suffering a loss or friend, school nurse, youth worker maybe missing someone. or teacher or if you don’t feel like you can confide in anyone, then go and Self-harming is dangerous. It is talk to your GP. “a sign that you have an underlying problem and if it got out of hand, you could risk killing yourself accidentally. Get help as soon as possible. You may feel” powerless right now but once you have talked it through you can work towards understanding why you are self- harming and how to go about working through this difficult time.

What to do If you are self-harming: • You are not on your own, so don’t suffer alone! Don’t bottle it up, go and speak to someone you trust. • Contact your GP. • Keep a record of how you feel when you want to self-harm. • Keep wounds clean or they may become infected, seek medical attention if necessary. If a friend is self-harming: • Listen to them and let them talk about how they feel. • It might help them if they know you’re there for them. • Encourage them to see their GP who will be able to get them some counselling. This will help them talk about why they self-harm. • Visit websites and contacts for support.

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Useful contacts

NATIONAL LOCAL

Action for Children National Domestic Violence Torbay School Nurse Team School Admissions Torbay Alcohol and Substance Practical information for children, Freephone Helpline 24-hour 01803 219814 www.torbay.gov.uk/schooladmissions Misuse Services young people, and parents going 0808 2000 247 [email protected] 01803 208908 01803 604330 through a family break-up. www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk/ NHS Choices Torbay and South Devon NHS School Transport 0300 123 2112 services/drug-and-alcohol-service/ For health advice. Foundation Trust www.torbay.gov.uk/ www.actionforchildren.org.uk www.nhs.uk Including information on school secondaryschoolstransport Depression and Anxiety Service Anxiety UK nursing, children’s learning disability 01803 696600 Race Equality Foundation Torbay SEND (Special Educational For advice on anxiety. team, sexual health and [email protected] 0207 428 1891 Needs and Disability Service) 08444 775 774 contraception, healthy lifestyles, www.raceequalityfoundation.org.uk Information for families with children www.anxietyuk.org.uk dental services, mental health, Torbay Information or young people who have special Red Cross Torbay drug and alcohol service and Single point of contact for Beating Eating Disorders educational needs because of a Information on CPR (kiss of life) smoking cessation. information, advice and signposting For advice and information on all learning difficulty or disability which www.redcrossfirstaidtraining.co.uk www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk on all community services in and types of eating disorders. requires special educational around Torbay. Youthline 0345 634 7650 Samaritans Torbay Hospital provision to be made for them. 01803 219700 www.b-eat.co.uk 08457 90 90 90 01803 614567 01803 208274 www.torbay.gov.uk/sen Brook Smokefree Community Dental Service 0808 802 1234 Advice and information on how to For people with complex needs who Safeguarding www.brook.org.uk quit smoking. find it difficult to access general If you are worried that you or a friend www.nhs.uk/smokefree dental services. are suffering or at risk of abuse, harm, Change4Life 01803 217777 neglect or sexual exploitation. For advice and information on how to Sunsmart This is a 24 hour service staffed by a live a healthy life. Advice and information on keeping Sexual Health Outreach Team team of professional people with a 0300 123 4567 safe in the sun. Available for support and advice legal duty to safeguard children. They www.nhs.uk/change4life www.sunsmart.org.uk including the C-card scheme. will listen to your concerns and take 07917 088019 Child Exploitation and Online Stop Smoking Service appropriate action. Torbay has a child Protection Centre www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Smoking CheckPoint Torbay sexual exploitation worker who can 0870 000 3344 The Children’s Society in Devon be accessed through a safeguarding YoungMinds Parent Helpline www.ceop.police.uk 7 Victoria Road, Ellacombe, referral. 0808 802 5544 Torquay TQ1 1HU. 01803 208100. Childline www.youngminds.org.uk Free help, advice and support for Free 24-hour counselling service for Torbay Integrated Youth Support young people aged 10-17 years old. children and young people. Childline www.themix.org.uk Services (IYSS) Drop-in sessions provide support for deals with any issue which causes Referral by the Early Help Service. drug and alcohol use, counselling, distress or concern. Common issues 01803 208400 sexual exploitation, advocacy - include child abuse, bullying, mental www.torbay.gov.uk/iyss helping you speak out, runaways and illness, parental separation or divorce, preventing homelessness. Careers South West pregnancy and substance misuse. 01803 200100 Supports young people in school who 0800 1111 [email protected] are at risk of not making a successful www.childline.org.uk www.facebook.com/checkpointtorbay transition as well as engaging with Family Planning Association (FPA) 16-19 year olds who are unemployed Connections www.fpa.org.uk in order to assist them into education, For young people 18+ requiring advice training or employment. Frank on housing and benefits. 01626 367579 0300 123 6600 www.torbay.gov.uk/connections [email protected] www.talktofrank.com Torbay Young Carers Torbay Domestic Abuse Service Lesbian, gay and bisexual 01803 208657 01803 698869 (extn 2) For young people seeking advice on www.torbay.gov.uk/youngcarers [email protected] lesbian, gay and bisexual issues. The Orb 08000 502020 Lifestyles Team Torbay’s new information and advice www.stonewall.org.uk Including smoking cessation. directory. Terence Higgins Trust 0300 456 1006 (local rate) www.torbayorb.com 0808 802 1221 www.tht.org.uk

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