If you’re a young person and thinking about having sex, then it is important that you are ready, can enjoy it, and can take responsibility for it.
It is also important to make sure that you get contraceptive advice to protect yourself from unplanned pregnancy and STI’s (Sexually transmitted infections).
Sexual health services (contraception and pregnancy advice, or tests for STIs, including HIV) are available in Hillingdon and free and confidential.
If you're 13 to 16, you have the same rights to confidentiality as an adult and the doctor, nurse or pharmacist won't tell your parents, or anyone else, as long as they believe that you fully understand the information and decisions involved.
They'll encourage you to consider telling your parents or carers, but they won't make you.
The only time a professional might want to tell someone else is if they believe there is a risk to your safety or welfare, such as abuse. The risk would need to be serious, and they would usually discuss this with you first.
The situation is different for people under 13, because the law says that people of this age can't consent (say yes) to sexual activity. If you're under 13, doctors, nurses and health workers might feel it's in your best interests to involve other people, such as a social worker.
The tabs below give further information to help you find what you need
The sexual health clinic offers free, confidential sexual health advice and contraception. These include:
- contraceptive services (including emergency contraception)
- cervical screening
- pregnancy testing
- abortion referrals
- easy, non-invasive testing for chlamydia and gonorrhoea
- testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV and blood-borne viruses
You can use these services at one of the following clinics:
- KISS (Keep it Safe 'n' Sorted) A safe setting for 13 to 19-year-olds to talk about relationships, peer pressure, safe sex and STIs. Offering C-cards, free condoms, and pregnancy testing.
Address: The Children and Family Hub, High Street, Uxbridge (appointment only)
Telephone: 01895 277222
Email: shwb
- Contraceptive and Sexual Health Services
Address: Wakley Centre, Grange Road, Hayes, UB3 2RR
Telephone: 020 8453 2751 or 020 8453 2752
Email: lnwh-tr.
Website: shc.lnwh.nhs.uk
- Oakland Clinic
Address: 32 Parkway, Hillingdon, UB10 9JX
Telephone: 020 8453 2751 or 020 8453 2752
Email: lnwh-tr.
Website: shc.lnwh.nhs.uk
You can book an appointment here
It is recommended that young people under age 25 get tested for chlamydia every year or when they change their sexual partner. If you are aged between 16-24 you can order a free testing kit online as part of the national chlamydia screening programme. This is a free test for both chlamydia and gonorrhoea. If you live in Hillingdon SH:24 offer free, discreet and confidential sexual health test kits online.
If you do not want the kit delivered to your home address, you can order it to be delivered to some pharmacy’s in Hillingdon. You can also return your kit via the pharmacy.
Many people with sexually transmitted infections do not get symptoms, so it's worth getting tested even if you feel fine.
The C-Card (condom card) is available to 13 to 24-year-olds
It gives you access to free condoms, femidoms, dental dams and sexual health information - whether you are having sex, thinking about having sex or you are just curious.
To get a C-Card, you will need to provide some basic information, which will be confidentially kept and only used for monitoring the scheme.
Young people can also contact the Hillingdon Sexual Health service for information on where to obtain a C-Card. Call 0208 453 2751 or 0208 453 2752 or email lnwh-tr.
- Brook – the young people's sexual health charity for under-25s
- FPA – provider of information on individual methods of contraception, common STIs, pregnancy choices, abortion and planning a pregnancy
- The National Sexual Health Helpline – on 0300 123 7123 (a confidential helpline)
- The Havens - specialist centres in London for people who have been raped or sexually assaulted
- Terrence Higgins Trust
- Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust