FINDING OUT MORE

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Under Pressure (bullying, abuse, drugs, alcohol, relationships and more)
Sexual Health, Contraception and Pregnancy
Coming Out
Parents of Gay Kids
The Sexual Offences Act
History of the Age of Consent
Sex Education
Youth Rights

1. Under Pressure (bullying, abuse, drugs, alcohol, relationships and more)

AVERT: Young People's Section
www.avert.org/yngindx.htm
Information on sexuality, sexual health, relationships, contraception and much more. You can download free online booklets like the one on Sex and Sexual Relationships, aimed at 14-16 year olds, which discusses sexual feelings, sexuality, and features stories of both good and bad first-time sexual experiences.

ChildLine UK
Freepost NATN 1111
London E1 6BR
Helpline: 0800 44 11 11 (24 hours)
ChildLine Scotland (Bullying Helpline): 0800 44 11 11 (Mon-Fri 3.30-10pm, Sat-Sun 2-8pm)
Website: www.childline.org.uk
Free national helpline for anyone up to the age of 18. Trained counsellors provide confidential support and advice. Lines can be busy so please try again if you don't get through the first time.

FRANK
Helpline: 0800 77 66 00 (24 hours)
Textphone: 0800 917 8765
E-mail: frank@talktofrank.com
Website: www.talktofrank.com
Provides free confidential drugs information and advice 24 hours a day. All calls are confidential. Use the website's search facility to get the contact details of organisations offering practical help and support in your area.

Get Connected
Helpline: 0808 808 4994 (everydat, 1-11pm)
E-mail: help@getconnected.org.uk
Website: www.getconnected.org.uk
Free confidential helpline and email service helping young people find the most suitable support, whatever their problem.

LifeBytes
www.lifebytes.gov.uk
Website aimed at 11-14-year-olds, giving information and advice on a range of issues including alcohol, drugs, smoking, sex and relationships.

Mind, Body, Soul
www.mindbodysoul.gov.uk
Website aimed at 14-16-year-olds, giving information and advice on a range of issues including emotional health, sexual health, alcohol and drugs.

The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC)
Helpline: 0800 085 3330 (Mon-Fri 12-8pm, Sat 9am-12pm)
Website: www.napac.org.uk
Provides support no matter how long ago the abuse took place, pointing people in the right direction to take control of their own recovery.

The Samaritans
Tel: 08457 90 90 90 (24 hours)
E-mail: jo@samaritans.org
Website: www.samaritans.org.uk
Exists to provide confidential emotional support to any person, irrespective of race, creed, age or status who is in emotional distress or at risk of suicide. Can be contacted by e-mail, telephone, writing, or by visiting one of 203 local branches (details are on the website).

Teenage Health Freak
www.teenagehealthfreak.org
Comprehensive website for teenagers, including facility to e-mail questions on a wide range of medical and sexual issues.

There-4-Me
www.there4me.com
Confidential online advice for teenagers, including 'real time' talk with an NSPCC adviser, message board and private in-box. Subjects covered include bullying, relationships, drugs and exams.

Youth Access
Tel: 020 8772 9900 (Mon-Fri 9.30am-1pm and 2-4.30pm)
Call Youth Access for details of advice and counselling services for young people in your own area.

2. Sexual Health, Contraception and Pregnancy

British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS)
Actionline: 08457 30 40 30 (Mon-Fri 8am-9pm, Sat 8.30am-6pm, Sun 9.30am-2.30pm)
Website: www.bpas.org
Offers pregnancy testing, crisis pregnancy counselling, abortion care, after abortion support, sterilisation and vasectomy, and emergency contraception. Website contains information for women thinking about having an abortion, information about emergency contraception, pregnancy testing and what to do next.

Brook
Helpline: 0800 0185 023 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
E-mail: admin@brookcentres.org.uk
Website: www.brook.org.uk
Provides free and confidential sexual health advice and contraception for anyone under 25. To listen to Brook's 24-hour recorded messages on pregnancy, contraception, abortion and sexually transmitted diseases please call 020 7950 7700. The website has tons of useful information including a secure online enquiry service and a text messaging service. There's a section on Sex and the Law with information on consent to sexual relationships.

Caledonia Youth (CY)
Tel: 0131 229 3596
E-mail: information@caledoniayouth.org
Website: www.caledoniayouth.org
At various locations throughout Scotland, Caledonia Youth provides free, confidential support to enable young people in Scotland to make informed, responsible choices about their personal and sexual relationships. Contraception is provided and advice offered on various issues such as safe sex, parental consent, sexual wellbeing and negotiation skills.

Channel 4 – Health – Sex and Relationships
www.channel4.com/health/microsites/0-9/4health/sex/index.html
Regular features on every aspect of sex and relationships – from how to get emergency contraception, to chatting someone up, to dealing with STIs. Check out 'you ask' to read the questions that have been raised with our advisors.

fpa (Family Planning Association)
50 Featherstone Street
London EC1Y 8QU
Contraception Education Service Helpline:-
England: 0845 310 1334 (Mon-Fri 9am-7pm)
Scotland: 0141 576 5088 (Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-4.30pm)
Northern Ireland: 02890 325 488 (Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-4.30pm)
Website: www.fpa.org.uk
The fpa's Contraceptive Education Service can advise on all sexual health matters, including contraception, abortion and sexual health. Single copies of leaflets on all methods of contraception are free with a SAE. You can also get details of family planning clinics, sexual health clinics and other sexual health services anywhere in the UK.

Like It Is
www.likeitis.org
Website for 11-15-year-olds, providing advice on issues such as contraception, periods, teenage pregnancy, sex and sexuality.

Marie Stopes International (MSI) UK
One Call Helpline: 0845 300 8090 (abortion, emergency contraception, other enquiries),
Website: www.mariestopes.org.uk/uk/services.htm
MSI provides services in the following areas: abortion, contraception, emergency contraception, female sterilisation, health screening and vasectomy, through their nine main UK centres.

Playing Safely
www.playingsafely.co.uk
Provides clear, up-to-date information on sexual health issues such as contraception and sexually transmitted diseases. Answers questions on safer sex, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, and sexual health (GUM) clinics.

Sexwise
Helpline: 0800 28 29 30 (7am-midnight, every day)
Website: www.ruthinking.co.uk
For young people aged 12-18. The website gives information on contraception, sex and relationships and allows you to search for services anywhere in the UK. Offers information, advice and guidance to young people about sex, relationships and contraception.

Sexual Health Line
Tel: 0800 567 123 (24 hours)
Textphone: 0800 521 361
Gives confidential advice and information about HIV, AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, or any other aspect of sexual health, as well as information on where to find local sexual health services.

The Site
www.thesite.org.uk
General information and lifestyle website for young people. Has a section on sex and relationships, including sexually transmitted infections, contraception and sexual health.

3. Coming Out

The Albert Kennedy Trust
www.akt.org.uk
Aims to ensure that all lesbian, gay and bisexual young people are able to live in accepting, supportive and caring homes by providing a range of services to those who are homeless or living in hostile environments.

Avert – young gay men talking
www.avert.org/ygmt1.htm
Website featuring accounts from young gay men, including their coming to terms with their sexuality, coming out, and their experiences of talking about their feelings with friends and parents, as well as their expectations and concerns.

Bisexual Helpline
PO Box 3325
London N1 9EQ
Helpline: 020 8569 7500 (Tues and Wed 19.30-21.30; Sat 9.30-12.30; answerphone info at other times)
Contact the Bisexual Helpline if you would like to talk in confidence with someone about how you feel. They can also put you in touch with support groups in your area.

Coming Out and Staying Out
www.gmhp.demon.co.uk/coming-out/index.html
This online guide has been written for gay and bisexual men of all ages who are thinking of coming out. It includes information about coming to terms with being gay, and advice on how to tell others. From Wiltshire and Swindon's Gay Men's Health website.

Coming Out to Your Parents
www.outproud.org/brochure_coming_out.html
Online brochure from OutProud which covers in detail the issues you're likely to face when you decide to come out to your parents.

GayYouthUK
www.gayyouthuk.co.uk
This site features information and support for young gay people in the UK. Features information and advice on coming out, including personal experiences.

How to Cope with Doubts about Your Sexual Identity
www.mind.org.uk/NR/exeres/804EDAB9-0E7F-4728-B397-7808C31D9ADB.htm?
Online booklet from MIND that suggests ways of exploring your sexuality and coping with the feelings this brings, as well as further sources of help.

London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard
PO Box 7324
London N1 9QS
Helpline: 020 7837 7324 (24 hours)
Website: www.llgs.org.uk
Confidential helpline providing access to information, support and referral to lesbians and gay men or anyone who needs to consider lesbian or gay issues.

Regard
Tel: 020 7688 4111
E-mail: regard@dircon.co.uk
Website: www.regard.dircon.co.uk
Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual organisation for people with disabilities

Peer Support Project
Peer Support By Post
PO Box 153
Manchester M60 1LP
Youthline: 0800 169 7384 (Mon-Fri 10am-6pm)
Office Line: 0161 274 4664 (for general enquires about project)
Website: www.peer-support.org.uk
Provides support and information to all Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) young people aged 25 and under. They are based in Manchester but we offer a variety of services through post, email and phone.

Youth information – Love and Sex
www.youthinformation.com/Templates/List.asp?NodeID=89792
Information and resources on a variety of topics which include being bisexual, coming out, gay and lesbian relationships and the law and sex.

4. Parents of Gay Kids

Acceptance
Tel: 01795 661 463
E-mail: jill&gordon@acceptance.fsnet.co.uk
Website: www.ukselfhelp.info/acceptance
An organisation for parents of lesbians and gays offering support and advice particularly concerning 'coming out' issues. Offers support and empathy to parents and families who are finding difficulty in accepting their children's sexuality.

Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (FFLAG)
7 York Court
Wilder Street
Bristol BS2 8HQ
Helpline: 01454 852418
E-mail: info@fflag.org.uk
Website: www.fflag.org.uk
National voluntary organisation and registered charity with more than 40 telephone helplines across the UK and parents' groups, which hold regular meetings. The website offers online booklets such as How do I Tell my Parents? and A Guide for Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.

Guardian Archives – Gay in silence
http://education.guardian.co.uk/schools/ ..
Article that discusses the fact that, although public perception suggests that homophobia is in decline, it is still prevalent in our schools, and often a form of abuse that isn't prevented.

Jewish Lesbian and Gay Helpline
Tel: 020 7706 3123 (7pm-10pm, Mon and Thurs)
Offers counselling and information to lesbians and gay men and their family and friends.

Out Proud: For Parents of Gay Children
www.outproud.org/brochure_for_parents.html
Online brochure from OutProud aimed at parents of gay children, which includes an extensive list of questions commmonly asked by parents.

Parentline Plus
Helpline: 0808 800 2222 (24 hours)
Website: www.parentlineplus.org.uk
Free confidential help and advice line, plus a range of publications on all aspects of parenting. Aimed at anyone involved in parenting a child – the child's parents, stepparents, grandparents and foster parents.

Young Minds
www.youngminds.org.uk
Free service for parents and carers who are worried about the emotional well-being of their child.

5. The Sexual Offences Act

Children and Families: Safer from Sexual Crime
www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/ ..
Downloadable Home Office leaflet setting out the main laws in the Sexual Offences Act designed to protect children and families.

fpa Policy and Lobbying
www.fpa.org.uk/news/policy/download.htm
Read the fpa's policy on a variety of sexual issues, including: the Sexual Offences Act 2003; under-16s and sexual activity; and sex & relationships education (SRE).

Home Office: Sexual Offences
www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime-victims/ ..
Overview of recent Home Office initiatives to tackle sexual offences and details of support for victims.

Sexual Offences Act 2003
www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2003/20030042.htm
Read an online version of the 2003 Sexual Offences Act.

6. History of the Age of Consent

Barbara Bodichon
www.victorianweb.org/gender/wojtczak/bodichon.html
Biography of Barbara Bodichon (1827-91), who was one of the foremost founders of the women's rights movement in Britain and whose work helped to push the age of consent up to 13 in 1875.

Channel 4 – Victorians Uncovered
www.channel4.com/history/microsites/V/victorians/index.html
Lifts the skirts of 19th century respectability during which time child prostitution flourished, white slavery was rife and the age of consent was 12 when Victoria came to the throne.

The Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1885 and Sexual Assault on Minors
www.geocities.com/Athens/Aegean/7023/Consent.html
A detailed account of William Stead and his 'Maiden Tribute' articles, generally credited with hastening the passage of the Criminal Justice Amendment Act, raising the age of consent to 16 in 1885.

Josephine Butler
www.pinn.net/~sunshine/whm2001/butler2.html
Campaigners such as Josephine Butler fought to stop young girls being sold to brothels and succeeded in getting Parliament to raise the age to 13 in 1875.

7. Sex Education

Avert
www.avert.org/sexedu.htm
Feature from Avert about sex education in the UK, discussing the information that should be given to young people, when sex education should start, and who should provide it.

A PAUSE
www.ex.ac.uk/sshs/apause/index.htm
An innovative schools-based sex education programme, developed at Exeter University with government backing. A PAUSE stands for Added Power and Understanding in Sex Education. This site contains an overview of the programme, its background and aims, and features information and links for young people and for teachers.

National Children's Bureau – Sex Education Forum
Tel: 020 7843 1901 (Mon-Fri 9.30-5pm)
Website: www.ncb.org.uk/sef/intro.asp
A national forum on sex and relationships education (SRE) from the National Children's Bureau. They work with teachers and health professionals to promote good practice through a range of publications and factsheets.

NATSAL 2000 (in The Lancet)
'The National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles' by A Johnson et al in The Lancet, vol 358 (2001), issue 9296, pages 1835-1855.
UK report compiled by researchers at University College London, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and NatCen, the National Centre for Social Research. Can be viewed online at www.thelancet.com (need to register first).

8. Youth Rights

Article 12 – Scotland
www.article12.org/article12.htm
A network of young people aged 12 to 18 who are working to improve the rights of young people in Scotland.

British Youth Council
www.byc.org.uk
Coalition of 150 youth organisations that provide a voice for young people under the age of 26. One of BYC's current campaigns is for votes at 16. To find out more about the campaign log onto www.votesat16.org.uk.

Children's Rights Alliance for England (CRAE)
www.crae.org.uk
An alliance of over 300 organisations, which exists to transform the lives and status of children in England. They want all children to be respected as individual people and to be treated as full and equal members of society. Membership of CRAE is free to under 18s.

Connexions
www.connexions.gov.uk
A government service for young people aged 13 to 19. The idea is to link government services and make them more accessible to young people.

The Rights Site: Know Your Rights
E-mail: rightssite@unicef.org.uk
Website: www.therightssite.org.uk/html/kyr.htm
Unicef site giving information on the rights of children and young people.

(resources updated January 2006)