Relationships, sex and sexual health

The age of consent in the UK is 16, which means it is legal to have sex once you are 16 years old. Remember though, whatever your age, you shouldn’t have sex until you feel ready or unless you’re sure that you want to.

If you don’t know who to talk to, why not give us a call on 01344 311200? You can arrange to speak with one of our counsellors in confidence.

It’s always best to read up about the subject (see links below) and talk things through with your partner or with someone else you can trust.

Relationships can be exciting and fun, but there are lots of things you need to think about if you and your partner decide you both want to have a sexual relationship. You both need to think about contraception, pregnancy and protecting yourself against sexually transmitted infections.

Being prepared doesn’t have to take the fun out of the relationship and it doesn’t mean either of you are planning to sleep around. It means you are thinking sensibly about your future and about your health.

If your partner does not feel ready or doesn’t want to have sex, don’t put pressure on them – it’s really important that you’re both happy with whatever happens in your relationship.

For local services, information and clinics

Young People’s Sexual Health Advice & Guidance Team

The Team, based in Bracknell Forest, offers distribution of condoms, pregnancy testing, contraception through a GP and Chlamydia testing. There is also support for relationships as well as support for teenage parents. The Service is for young people aged 14 – 19 years.

The Team provide community sexual health clinics as follows:

• Tuesday – 2.30 – 4.00 – Coopers Hill
• Wednesday – lunchtime – The Spot, Sandhurst
• Wednesday 2.30 – 4.00 – The Spot, Sandhurst

youth.service@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

judy.galvin@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Specialist sexual health services

The Garden Clinic, Skimped Hill Health Centre, Skimped Hill Lane, Bracknell
Tel: 01344 458118

Staff in the clinic can offer advice and information on all methods of contraception, emergency contraception (“the morning after pill”), sexually transmitted infections including HIV, and counselling and referral around unwanted pregnancy. You can also pick up condoms and Chlamydia self-testing kits during clinic hours.

Emergency contraception:

Pharmacies

Some local pharmacies offer an ‘integrated sexual health service’. This includes sexual health advice, provision of condoms, emergency contraception, Chlamydia testing and treatment.

Pharmacies in Bracknell Forest offering these services are listed below.

GP practices

You can talk to your GP or practice nurse about general sexual health concerns and contraception.

In addition, some GP practices offer fitting and removal of IUCDs (“coils”) and Nexplanon (“implants”). The practices offering these services and chlamydia screening are listed below.

Helpful links: