Do you turn scarlet just at the thought of asking for advice on sex or contraception? Don't worry, clinic staff are a down-to-earth bunch who won't make judgements about you and will try their best to make the whole experience feel okay. And if you don't fancy being alone, it's fine to take a friend along, or, if you can, ask your mum or dad to go with you.

I want to sort out contraception before I start having sex
You can get free, confidential advice even if you are under 16 at any of these places.

Family Planning Clinics
Advice on contraception, pregnancy testing, abortion and sexually transmitted diseases.

• Find details of your nearest clinic in your local phone book, or on the Family Planning Association (fpa) website www.fpa.org.uk
• Fpa helplines offer confidential information and advice, leaflets and details of sexual health services.
• UK: 0845 310 1334
• Scotland 0141 576 5088
• Northern Ireland 028 9032 5488

Your GP
You can get free contraception, including condoms, from your GP. Your doctor must treat you confidentially, but may suggest that you talk to your parents if you're under 16.

• Make an appointment at the practice where you are registered, or...
• Find out about walk-in NHS centres and sexual health clinics. Ring NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 (NHS 24 in Scotland, on 0845 4242424) or see the NHS Direct website

Brook Clinics
There are 17 Brook clinics across the UK, offering free, confidential sexual health advice and contraception to young people.

• Find your nearest clinic at www.brook.org.uk
• 'Ask Brook' service on the website offers confidential advice
• Brook Helpline: 0800 0185 023

I think I've caught a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)

Sexual health clinics
Free specialist GUM (Genitourinary medicine) clinics are open to all and are totally confidential. For your local clinic:

• Call the fpa helpline (numbers above)
• Call NHS Direct (number above)
• Look in your local phone book under GUM clinic, STD, special clinic or sexual health clinic.

I've had unprotected sex – where do I get emergency contraception?

Pharmacy
Most pharmacies can sell you the morning-after pill if you are 16 or over. Find your nearest pharmacy in your local phone book.

NHS walk-in centres
Available in some areas of England, and can usually supply emergency contraception. For details, see NHS Direct above.

I think I'm pregnant

You can buy a pregnancy test to use at home from a chemist, pharmacy or supermarket for around £8. For a free test, go to your GP, family planning clinic or Brook Clinic (details above).
If you are pregnant, you need to talk to someone who can help you decide what to do. If possible, talk to your parents or an adult you trust. A clinic or your GP can arrange for you to have pregnancy counselling to discuss the options, and help you make the best decision

I want general information about sex and relationships

Sexwise
Website and free helpline for people aged 12–18, offering advice and guidance on sexual health issues, including contraception, abortion, relationships and pregnancy.

For other sources of help and information, see Find out more.