0300 330 5777

bromh.sexualhealth@nhs.net

Young people

Sex can be an enjoyable, pleasurable part of a healthy, loving relationship as long as you protect yourself both physically and mentally.

Are you ready?

Lots of young people assume that because some of their friends have experimented using drugs that they should experiment with drugs too but just because some of your friends are using drugs it doesn’t mean that you have to use drugs too. Using drugs such as cannabis, alcohol or any other substances can lead to risky behaviour such as having sex when you’re not ready, not using contraception or finding yourself in a situation where you are putting yourself at most risk.

Bromley Changes is a young peoples’ drug and alcohol support service. They are an outreach team which means that they do not see any service users at their office – instead they will go out within the community to meet with young people. This could be attending a home visit, meeting you at school or at another location. The Bromley Changes team is made up of experienced workers who have worked with young people from various backgrounds. They give out advice and information around substance misuse, working with young people through either one to one interventions or group work.

You can find out more about Bromley Changes on Twitter (@BromleyChanges), Instagram and Facebook, or you can visit their website or give them a call on 020 8313 1107 / 07920 813660.

Bromley Changes provides a comprehensive range of services including:

  • Community engagement
  • Confidential advice and information
  • Recovery Work
  • POD work
  • Group work interventions
  • Hepatitis C testing and Hepatitis B vaccination
  • Family and carer support services
  • A comprehensive recovery programme
  • PSHE support for staff in schools
  • Drug and alcohol training for professionals
  • Services in Bromley CAMHs and Bromley YOS
  • Peer mentor and volunteering opportunities

Find a service

Try this checklist below to see if you’re ready:

  • You feel you could say no and that would be OK – but you still want to do it.
  • You have made a special connection with someone – and both feel it.
  • You know your own mind and know it’s right.
  • You may have some anxieties about it – but not any fear.
  • Nobody’s forcing you, pressuring you or coercing you.
  • You know you won’t regret it – as much as you can ever know that.
  • You don’t need someone else’s permission.
  • You’re not doing it just to keep up with your friends.
  • You’ve agreed you’re both in love and want to take this next step together.
  • You’ve been going out for months and have done everything but have sex and you can’t wait.
  • You don’t want to have sex to keep a boyfriend/girlfriend or because you’re feeling pressured.
  • You’ve talked about it together, discussed using condoms and contraception, and agreed what happens next and whether or not to tell your friends afterwards.
  • You each want it for yourselves – not just because the other person does or to please them.

You’re probably ready when you can answer YES to most if not all of these.