Ante-natal Groups

Ante-natal health care and education for teenagers provided by the specialist midwives. Partners included.

• St Albans Young Mums group, St Albans Hospital. 07979 458 716.

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Connexions Hertfordshire

Connexions is a support service for all 13-19 year olds in Hertfordshire. It aims to provide advice, support and guidance across a range of issues and to smooth the path into adulthood and working life.

Connexions brings together all the services that help young people and offer support with:

• education, work and training
• health
• money and legal issues
• relationships
• housing

The Connexions Service has teams of Personal Advisers across Hertfordshire. Some based in schools, colleges, the Youth Service and special youth programmes. Others work with young Offending Teams, Children, Schools and Families and other services working out in the community.

A Connexions Personal Adviser can help you:

• achieve your ambitions and support you in getting there
• find out about your options for employment, training or further education
• develop your skills and abilities
• address any personal problems
• explore positive and exciting new ways of developing your talents and interests for example volunteering, community projects, the arts, sport or other local leisure activities
• arrange access to specialist support services, if you want it.

Connexions Direct:

offers you information, advice and support when you need it. Contact them 7 days a week, 8.00am - 2.00am

Telephone: 0800 0013 219

Txt: 07766 413 219

Email/Webchat: www.connexions-direct.com

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Childcare

Children's Information Service (CIS)

• Are you a parent looking for information about child care?
• Do you want to know if there is a play-group, a child-minder or a nursery near you or on your way to college?
• Do you want to know if you can get help with child care costs?
• Do you or someone you know want to train or work in childcare?

CIS can help with these questions and more.

01438 737 502, 01923 471 502 if you live in (01923) or (0208) areas.

Mon - Fri 8.30am - 4.30pm.               www.hertsdirect.org/younginherts.

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Contraception

All types of contraceptive services, including free condoms, pregnancy tests, oral contraceptives, coils and emergency contraception are available. Emergency contraception can be obtained at any family planning clinic, during it's opening hours without an appointment. For other services you may need to make an appointment. Family planning clinics offer a free, confidential service to anyone regardless of age or gender.

• Principal Health Centre, Civic Close, St Albans, 01727 734 024, Mon, Weds and Thurs 7.00pm - 9.00pm. Sat 11.00am - 1.00pm Walk in Sessions.
• Family Planning Clinic, 1 Wellhouse Lane, Barnet, 020 8447 0603, Tues and Thurs 6.30pm - 8.30pm, Thurs 12.45pm - 2.45pm. Appointments Only. Mon 3.30pm - 5.30pm. Young Peoples Clinic - walk in.
• Garston Clinic, St Albans Road, Garston. 01923 234 525, Mon and Weds 6.00pm - 8.00pm. Walk in Sessions.
• Queensway Health Centre, Queensway, Hatfield, 01707 264 577,  Mon 7.00pm - 9.00pm. First Friday of the Month 9.30am - 12.00noon. Appointments and Walk in Sessions.
• Oxhey Drive Clinic, Oxhey Drive, South Oxhey, Watford, 020 8428 5577, Tues 6.30pm - 8.30pm Walk in Sessions.
• The Avenue Clinic, The Avenue, Watford, 01923 234 282, Thurs & Fri 5.00pm - 7.00pm. Walk In Sessions.
• "Awareness" (Under 20's Clinic), Watford Sexual Health Centre, Watford General Hospital, Vicarage Road, Watford. 01923 217 206. Wed 4.00pm - 6.30[m. Walk in Service for contraception and screening for sexually transmitted  infections.

Emergency Contraception

Emergency Contraceptive pills can be taken up to 72 hrs after unprotected sex. They can be provided free by any doctor or from a Family Planning Clinic to any women, whatever their age. They are also available on prescription at some Accident & Emergency Departments and some GUM Clinics. It is advisable to phone the GUM or Family Planning Clinic before visiting to check opening times.

Alternatively an emergency IUD (coil) may be fitted within 5 days of unprotected sex at the family Planning Clinics or some doctors' surgeries.

Some pharmacies are able to provide emergency contraception free.

• Principal health Clinic, Civic Close, St Albans, 01727 734 024. Mon, Wed and Thurs, 7.00pm - 9.00pm. Sat 11.00am - 1.00pm. Walk In Sessions.
• Watford General Hospital, Vicarage Road, Watford, 01923 244 366.

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Counselling

• The Base. 184 High Street London Colney. 01727 821 639. Tues and Weds 7.00pm - 9.30pm. Information and advice, activities, sexual health information. Drop-in.  Txt a Counsellor for more details on: 07796522216 or email on: talk2some1@hotmail.co.uk
• Youth Talk. 28 Spencer Street, St Albans. 01727 868 684. Mon-Fri 9.30am - 6.00pm. Information and advice one to one.

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Connexions Centres

Connexions Centres give information, advice and guidance on learning, jobs, health and personal development opportunities. They are often in colleges, job centres and community buildings. the Connexions personal advisors are not all the time so call them to find out when you can drop-in.

• Job Centre, Victoria Street, St Albans. 01442 261 511

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Drug and Alcohol Services

Drugs

Did you know that 1 in 5 teenagers say their friends pretend to take drugs?

You can't always rely on what your mates say or what's in the papers or on television, so it's important to get the right information.

FRANK offers free confidential advice, can send you free leaflets and answer any questions you want to ask. FRANK can also tell you how to contact your local support services.    0800 77 66 00    www.talktofrank.com.

Alcohol

For further information on alcohol and to find local support services in your area visit: www.itsmanicinherts.com or call Drinkline on 0800 917 8282     Also See

• www.ruthinking.co.uk
• www.need2know.co.uk

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Education, Training & Employment

Hospital and Home Education Service

If you are unable to attend school for health reasons or because you are pregnant, then you may be able to receive teaching at home or at another venue.

For more info you can contact:

Children, Schools and Families, Customer Service Centre 01923 471 500 or 01438 737 500 Opening Times are Mon-Fri 8.00am - 8.00pm Sat 9.00am - 4.00pm

Further Education Colleges

The colleges provide a range of courses. Some of them have crèche facilitites.

• Hertford Regional College, (Ware & Broxbourne), 01992 411 400, www.hrc.ac.uk , An advice and counselling service for Students. A sexual health service on Mondays 12.00 noon - 2.00pm during term time only.
• North Hertfordshire College, (Hitchin, Letchworth Garden City and Stevenage), 01462 424 239, www.nhc.ac.uk , Information, advice and counselling service for students.
• Oaklands College, (St Albans, Borehamwood, Smallford & Welwyn Garden City), 01727 737 080, www.oaklands.ac.uk, Information, advice and guidance service to students.
• West Herts College, (Watford and Hemel Hempstead), 01923 812 345, www.westherts.ac.uk, Information, advice and guidance service for students.
• University of Hertfordshire, 01707 284 000, For details of Courses - www.herts.ac.uk . 

Employment

• Hertfordshire Careers Service, provides help, guidance and advice on careers and finding employment for young adults aged 20+, 01462 705 000, www.herts-careers.co.uk
• Jobcentre Plus, provides information and support on job searches for the 18 plus age group, www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk.
• Jobseekers Direct, 0845 60 60 234, www.worktrain.gov.uk.

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Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Support

If you want information, someone to talk to or details of social events then you can contact the following organizations or visit one of the websites.

• Free 2 B.  Fri 7.00pm - 10.00pm. Helpline: 07810 226 322.  For 14-19 yr olds who have either identified themselves as Gay, Lesbian, bisexual, transgender or transsexual, or who are questioning their sexuality. 1to1 and group support including workshops and information on a range of topics including help with coming out. groups run 6.30pm - 98.30pm in North, East and South Hertfordshire - call for more details. (01462 624 800) Email: csf.free2b@hertscc.gov.uk.  www.hertsdirect.org/yngpeople
• FFLAG (Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays).  01454 852 418.   Provides support and information to young people and their families before, during and after 'coming out'. Run by parents of Gay and Lesbian People.

Useful Website: www.likeitis.org.uk

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HIV / AIDS Support Services

These services are specifically aimed at people who are infected or affected by HIV or who have friends or families infected by HIV. They provide info and run a variety of services including self-help groups and support groups. These services are free and confidential.

• The Crescent, 19 Russells Avenue, St Albans, 01727 842 532.    www.thecrescent.org.uk.

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Legal Advice

These two agencies can refer you to the right organization on a range of issues including consumer rights, immigration and going to court.

• Citizens Advice Bureau. 0870 126 4010. Offers advice on legal matters, financial matters, benefits, debts, employment, discrimination, health service etc. Most towns have a local office.
• Release Helpline. 020 7729 9904.  Offers a free and confidential legal service for drug users and helpline for heroin users.

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Looking after your sexual health

If you would like a check-up or think you may have a sexually transmitted disease and you do not want to discuss it with your doctor, then you can go to a GUM clinic for free, confidential advice, diagnosis and treatment. Some also offer contraceptive services, often including emergency contraception.

All GUM Clinics provide comprehensive services for HIV positive patients, non-directive abortion counselling and support for gay and bisexual men and women.

You do not have to give your name or address. phone the Clinic to check opening times.

• Waverley Wing Clinic, (St Albans Sexual Health Centre) St Albans City Hospital, Waverley Road, St Albans, 01727 897 332. Walk in every morning from 9.00am limited numbers of people seen- get there early!
• Watford Sexual Health Clinic. (Watford General Hospital, Vicarage Road.) - 01923 217 206, Walk in every morning from 9.00am. Limited number of people seen so get there early!

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Looked after Children.

• Health Team.

The Looked After Children's health team is available for health or emotional advice for Looked After Children and Care Leavers in Hertfordshire.    Looked After Children nurse: 01707 386 871, Leaving Care Nurse: 01707 386 889

• Voice for the Child in Care

An advocacy service - independent support for young people in care & care leavers. 

0800 085 3074 - 24hr Answer phone.  

Email: info@vccherts.co.uk

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Local and National Help lines

• Sexual Health Helpline for young people. Local confidential helpine to discuss sexual health matters and find out where you can get more help. 01438 353 434.
• Sexual Health and AIDS Helpline. Advice and referral to appropriate clinic. 0800 567 123
• Sexwise.   Free

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Money Advice

The following agencies can help you with free advice or information.

• Citizens Advice Bureau, Information, help and advice on legal rights, benefits, money matters and more, 0870 126 4010, www.adviceguide.org.uk
• National Debtline, Advice on money matters, 0808 808 4000 (freephone)   www.nationaldebtline.co.uk. 

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Pregnancy Counselling Services

These services offer a free pregnancy testing and counselling on your choices. Some offer counselling after abortion if you need it.

• The Base Youth Project, 184 High St, London Colney - Drop in pregnancy testing. Just txt us in 100% confidence on 07796522216
• Connexions Pregnancy Crisis Centre, 185 St Albans Road, Watford. 0845 270 1701. - Drop in pregnancy testing. Weekdays 9.00am - 5.30pm. Counselling by appointment.
• Raphael House, 42B Station Road, New Barnet. 020 8275 0029. www.rephaelhouse.org.uk.  - drop in Pregnancy Testing. Mon 7.30pm - 9.00pm. Thurs 10.30am - 1.00pm. Counselling by appointment.
• CAREconfidential helpline 0800 0282 228 - Crisis Pregnancy Counselling.

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Pregnancy

If you find that you are pregnant and unsure of what to do then it is important to talk to someone. this could be your parent or family member. Some people prefer to talk to someone they don't know. You can contact Brook Advisory Service, a family planning nurse, school nurse or one of the projects in the sections "pregnancy counselling Services".

• Brook Advisory Service confidential helpline:   0800 0185 023, www.brook.org.uk. mon-fri 9.00am to 5.00pm  Offers a free confidential advice, information and counselling on pregnancy, abortion and contraception to young people under 25. Some other services are free but check on the website or helpline.
• Pregnant and Unsure?,  020 7617 0805  A Recorded advice message for young women who are pregnant and not sure what to do. It gives contact details for Brook and Family Planning Clinics.

Specialist Care for pregnant teenagers under 18. Midwives who are experienced in working with young people provide this service. They will understand your needs and worries. Info and support is confidential and offered even if you aren't sure what you are going to do.

• West Herts Area. Call or leave a text message on these numbers and a midwife will get back to you. - 07900 228 028  or  07979 458 716.

Adoption or Fostering - Contact children, Schools & Families Customer Service Centre. - 01923 471 500  or  01438 737 500 Opening times are Min-Fri 8.00am - 8.00pm, Sat 9.00am. - 4.00pm.

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Support for Young Parents

These Groups offer a range of services including: activities, talks, advice and support around parenting, social issues, sexual health, general health issues and benefits. They offer a chance to meet other young parents and find out about local services.

• Young Parents group, The children's Centre, Church Crescent, St Albans. 01727 897 877. Thurs 12.30pm - 2.00pm.

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Smoking

If you would like to book a local appointment for free, confidential help to quit smoking, call:

• NHS Hertfordshire Stop Smoking Service, (Support and advice to people who want to give up smoking), 0800 389 3 998
• For pregnant women and new parents, (if you are pregnant and would like to quit or are worried about the effect of smoking on your baby's health, call the special local service for pregnant women, new mums and their partners, 07760 167 742
• NHS Pregnancy No Smoking Helpline, (Hours; 12.00noon - 9.00pm 7 days a week, Support and advice to pregnant women who want to give up smoking.) 0800 169 9 169
• NHS No Smoking Helpline, (Hours: 7.00am - 11.00pm 7 Days a week) 0800 169 0 169  www.givingupsmoking.co.uk
•  

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Termination

Your doctor can arrange an abortion at either a NHS hospital or with Marie Stopes International. You can arrange to use a recommended private clinic such as the ones below without your doctor being involved, but this would not be free.

• Marie Stopes International. www.mariestopes.org.uk   0845 300 8090 - booking line only. Offer a free drop-in pregnancy test at all of their branches. There is a charge for all other services if you are going privately such as emergency contraception and abortion.

• British Pregnancy Advisory Service. www.bpas.org.uk  0845 730 4030 - booking line only. Advice on unwanted pregnancies and abortion, contraception, emergency contraception and pregnancy testing. There is a charge for most services.

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Young Carers

• Hertfordshire Young Carers. Carers in Hertfordshire. The Red House. 119 Fore Street, Hertford. 01992 586 969. www.carersinherts.org.uk

Mon - Thurs 9.00am - 5.30pm, Fri 9.00am - 4.30pm.

Help, Support, Info, trips and activities for young people caring for a family member.

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