Sexual health

What is Sexual Health?

Staying safe, healthy and happy while learning about sex and sexuality as a teenager is important. Sexual health isn’t just about avoiding pregnancy or disease (sexually transmitted illnesses – STIs), it’s about a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships free of coercion, discrimination and violence.


As teenagers we are opened up to a whole new world that we may want to keep within a confidential setting – doctors and nurses are unable to share any sensitive information with anyone (this includes your parents).

The legal age of consent to any form of sexual activity is 16 for both men and women, whether they are heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual. But remember even if you’re under 16, you have the right to confidential contraceptive and sexual health services, including abortions. Confidential means that clinics do not tell anyone unless they need to protect you or somebody else from a serious risk of harm.

There are many different types of free contraception available on the NHS for all age groups- speaking to people like your GP will allow you to find out what’s best for you.

In Trafford there are a few walk-in clinics run by The Northern where you can get advice, contraception, pregnancy tests or tests for STIs (see list below – we’ve also listed some general help websites). Don’t forget you can talk to your own GP about this too!


Where Can You Get Help?

The Northern

The Northern Sexual Health service provides dedicated services for young people in Trafford – including a full range of contraception, STI testing and advice.

Visit their website at: https://www.thenorthernsexualhealth.co.uk/Our-clinics
Tel: 0161 701 1555
Email: urmstonclinic.enquiries@mft.nhs.uk

You can access help from the Northern at three locations:

(1) Talkshop in Sale Town Centre has a walk-in clinic based in Sale Town Centre and will see anyone 13-19. The sexual health service runs alongside youth provision with Youth Workers on Mondays 3:00-5:30pm and Thursday 3:00-5:30pm. Address: 2 Tatton Road, Sale Waterside, Sale, M33 7ZF. Tel: 0161 912 2453

(2) Trafford College – both campus in Trafford:

Altrincham campus: We run a clinic on Mondays 11:00am – 12:30pm, where students can access contraception including emergency contraception, STI screening, pregnancy testing, condoms and advice.
We also deliver a drop-in once a month on Thursdays 11:30am – 1:30pm, where students can access STI screening,  condoms, advice and information.

Stretford campus: We deliver a drop-in service on Tuesdays 11:00am – 12:30pm, where students can access contraception, STI screening, condoms, advice and information

(3) Urmston Clinic: Check The Northern’s website for latest opening times. This clinic is based at 74 Princess Road, Urmston, M41 5SQ. Tel 0161 701 1555

Your GP

Anyone with a concern about sexual health can see their GP, whether it’s about contraception, periods, STIs, pregnancy, cervical screening, or abortion. People can also speak to their doctor if they want to talk to someone about sex and sexuality. Get in touch with your own GP to make an appointment.

Brook

National organisation providing sexual health & wellbeing support for young people. Brook’s clinic in Manchester supports under 19s. For information and advice visit Brook’s website at brook.org.uk/

Trafford Rape Crisis (TRC) Sexual Abuse & Rape Support Greater Manchester

TRC offers free confidential and non-judgemental support service run by women for women and girls who have experienced any form of rape, sexual abuse, or sexual violence, whether now or in the past. To learn more about TRC services and make a counselling referral visit website – https://traffordrapecrisis.com/

Used this service? Tell Healthwatch Trafford about it here.

You can get other general advice from:


Urgent Help

The Northern can advise on emergency contraception / exposure to HIV / sexual assault – check out their website for advice and clinic times/locations: www.thenorthernsexualhealth.co.uk/Emergencies