Hi Guys

I am going to write about a very personal topic this month – sexual health and where to go for advice.

This all started off a couple of weeks ago with Spud when he thought he might have caught an STI (sexually transmitted infection). He didn’t want to speak to the school nurse and definitely didn’t want to go to his doctor. We didn’t really know where he could go so I did a bit of research and found there were a few places locally. He went to the Sexual Health Clinic at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Rhyl which runs on a Monday from 2.00pm – 7.00pm and a Friday from 9.30am – 1.00pm. Services available include sexual health screening, free contraception and advice. Everything is confidential and the staff are really nice and helpful. The same service also runs every Tuesday between 4.00pm – 7.30pm in Ruthin Community Hospital.

If you have any questions or queries regarding sexual health matters, the following places and websites may be able to help:
• The West Rhyl Young People’s Project offer excellent advice and information on sexual health. For more information visit their website
• Oak Tree Centre, Rhyl have an advice shop every Wednesday between 3pm – 4.30pm 01745 360129
• If you are living in the South of Denbighshire, Denbigh Youth Project run a Young People’s Health Service every Thursday between 3.30pm – 5.30pm, contact them on 01745 816949.
• To Sexual health pages on YouthDen.
• Health Challenge Denbighshire.
• Worth Talking About.

Just had this text from Spud too, he actually has something useful to say for once…
Hi Cez, just @ Pop In Centre. They run Condom Card scheme here & u can get health info & free pregnancy testing. They r open Tues – Fri 12pm – 9pm & Sat 10am – 8pm. 28-30 Meliden Road, Prestatyn t:01745 857722 :)

Don’t forget not everyone is having sex (even if they say they are). The law says that no-one should be having sex under the age of 16. That rule is there to protect you, so don’t be pushed into something you don’t understand or aren’t ready for. There is nothing wrong with saying no. Sex should be part of a loving and trusting relationship. Please remember to be careful if you are or are thinking about becoming sexually active. Planning and talking about contraception with your partner is very important. Always use a condom, it not only protects you but your partner too.

Now on a completely different note, just a quick update on my revision – I have been doing a fair bit. Perhaps not as much as I’d hoped but my revision planner is working well. I really recommend starting one if you haven’t already. My first exam is only 5 weeks away now, it’s getting scarily close. Hope you are getting on okay with your revision.

I’m taking part in the Hope House sponsored family walk and wheels around the Brenig on Saturday 15th May with my family. Children under 16 can join in for free. Every penny helps them to provide vital care and support for terminally ill local children and their families. I’m really looking forward to it; it should be a fun day. Find out more about this event here.

See you next month!