► Friendships/Mates
Good mates are the people who will be there for you no matter what. You’ll shall some of your best memories with your mates and maybe some of your worst! You should be able to confide in your mates and you should always respect each others privacy. Sometimes you’ll have different opinions about things but that doesn’t matter as everyone is entitled to their own opinions! If you do fall out, try to talk about it and apologise if your in the wrong!
When you move school/college/uni or work you might be worried that you won’t see friends as often. You shouldn’t worry though as you will always meet other people you get along with and when you do hook up with friends it’ll be even more exciting and you’ll be able to catch up and talk about fun times and plan your future adventures! Remember though it’s sp easy to stay in touch nowadays by text, email, phone or social networking sites.
More help4u:
The Samaritans website - For personal advice.
Childline’s website - For advice on dealing with friends/ helping friends or any problems your having.
► Boyfriends and Girlfriends
So you’ve met a girl or boy and you’d like for it to be more than friends. Everyone gets nervous asking people out, for some tips click here to go to the need to know website. Once you’ve started going out with someone you might find that one minute your having a right old giggle and the next your arguing about something. The thing to remember is everyone has their ups and downs. You might be unsure of whether you want to go out with someone anymore or may have just been dumped, On the Childline website and the Need2know website they can give you allsorts of Information on this. You can also talk to mates or someone close to you for advice.
► Sex
Having Sex is an important decision and there’s lots of things to think about. Remember it’s completely up to you so don’t let anyone pressure you into it. You should also remember that it is illegal under the age of 16. If you are considering doing it you also need to think about protection so that you don’t catch STI’s. You also need to think about the risks of getting pregnant.
► C-Card Scheme
In County Durham there is a C-Card Scheme which is a confidential service for people up to 25 years old. Here you can get access to sexual health advice and free condoms. There are places you can visit this scheme all over County Durham. Please see below for information on where to find this service. If you want more advice on sex issues you can also contact your doctor or speak to a Sexual Health Improvement Practitioners (formerly known as a Sexual Health Outreach Worker), click here for one in your area. Your student Union if you are college or uni will also have an advice centre which can offer advice on having sex and sexual health.
More help4u:
C Card scheme - Information on the C-Card scheme and where to find it.
R U thinking website - Advice on sex and relationships or call 0800 28 29 30.
Teeside Positive Action- HIV information resource including 1 hour Rapid HIV test (available at Chester-le-Street and Durham City).
► Sexuality
As you start to get older you may start to question whether you fancy girls or boys or both! This may be confusing for you and you might feel embarrassed or ashamed. Some people might react in a negative way and might need time to get used to the idea. You shouldn’t be scared or keep you feelings to yourself though as there are many people out there who will be going through the same thing. Speak to a professional person such as a school or college counsellor or a trusted friend. There are many organisations who can offer advice on coming out or getting to know the local gay scene.
More help4u:
DISC LGBT Health & Wellbeing - To provide access to services for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people and their families.
Gay Advice Darlington Durham (G.A.D.D) - Gay Advice Darlington/Durham is a volunteer service, run and staffed by trained volunteers and professional staff.
MESMAC North East - MESMAC is a gay and bisexual men’s community support service for the north east.
