Connexions Manchester

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 your partner and you.

For more information about sex, young people and the law visit Brook.

For the low-down on contraception and sexual health services in Manchester, visit AnyPlansTonight?

In addition these websites have information that might help you:

• 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 Manchester is at:

• Fpa helpline 0845 122 8690
• Worth talking about - provides information on safe sex.

The C Card scheme entitles young people aged 14 - 18 to free condoms. Visit TakeCover Manchester

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 0800 0461 303

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 Weblinx for more useful websites.