You can attend our sexual health clinics if you are under 16 and you are entitled to confidentiality. This means that we wouldn’t normally tell anyone about your visit or any information about any tests or treatment you receive, not even your parents, carers, school or GP. The only time we would need to tell someone about your visit is if we were concerned about your risk of harm or harm to others. We would always try and discuss this with you first.
If you are under 13, your details will still be treated confidentially but we may have to take some extra steps to make sure that you’re safe. This may involve us talking to other services if we think you might be at risk of harm but we will always try and discuss this with you first.
Those under 16 are able to get confidential sexual health advice, treatment and contraception free of charge without your parents’ permission. Our staff will help you and make the process as smooth as possible for you.
We know that talking about sex, relationships, sexual health and contraception can feel awkward and during your appointment, we may ask you some personal questions but we will not judge you. We will treat you with kindness and respect. Your health, wellbeing and safety is our priority.
Getting tested for sexually transmitted infections is very easy and you can often do the tests yourself but staff can help if needed.
There are a range of free and confidential services which are specifically for young people.
The Circle Room is a dedicated and free confidential sexual health clinic for young people every Tuesday 3.30pm to 6.00pm in Lewes. You can talk about any contraception or sexual health concerns you may have. Anyone under 25 can use the service, you can just walk in or make an appointment in advance. You don’t need to be registered with the GP surgery to be able to visit.
The school health service can also provide information, support and advice for young people.
We also offer a free C-Card distribution scheme for young people aged 13 to 24.
There is also lots of helpful sources on a range of websites:
Rise Above
Brook
NHS Website
The Mix