18 June 2009
Experts at Epsom and St Helier hospitals are urging young people not to rush into having sex this summer, and to use contraception if they do have sex to avoid unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Yvonne Walker, a senior health advisor in the Trust's department of Genito-Urinary Medicine, which deals with all aspects of sexual health advice and care, said: "We know that during the summer holidays, fun, sun, alcohol and time out with friends can lead to some young people having sex before they're ready.
"We want young people in the area to know that there are lots of ways to get help and advice about sex and relationships, and that it's easy to talk to about the choices they have ahead of them.
"I would really encourage anyone who's thinking of having sex to make sure they are ready and to always use a condom. It's vitally important that the people who have made the choice to have sex know how to stay healthy and safe and avoid unwanted pregnancy and sexual infections."
Young people, including under-16s, can find out where to go in Sutton, Merton and Surrey for free, confidential information and advice about all aspects of sexual health from:
Online
In person
A drop-in clinic, known as 'Check it Out @ The Point', which is specifically for people under 20 runs every Monday at the Green Wrythe Lane Clinic in Carshalton from 3.30pm - 5pm. Drop-in for free, confidential and non-judgemental advice on contraception and sexual health. This is a joint clinic with Sutton and Merton community services.
The Epsom Clinic, in Church Street, Epsom, offers a drop-in session everyday from 4pm to 5.45pm, offering advice, contraception, STI and pregnancy tests to under 21s. Appointments are also available. For more information call: 01372 741 973.
Telephone
The sexual health helpline, which is run by Sutton and Merton Primary Care Trust on 020 8407 3636. The helpline operates 24 hours a day - providing just one number for local people to ring to find out about a whole range of services. Because the information is recorded, it is accessible to people who might feel uncomfortable talking to a person at the other end of the line.
