YourVoice- Advice and Support- Relationships and Sex

School nurses hold clinics in every Secondary School in Doncaster every two weeks. They also have an e-clinic that you can book an appointment in advance for. You can text their service for more information and to book on 07917 031891.

Sexual health information including STI's, condoms and contraception

Rise Above has interactive sex and relationships advice

Advice from the NHS on peer pressure, STIs and things to consider if you’re thinking about having sex

The Mix has sex and relationships advice and real life stories from young people.

If you think you might be pregnant, there are lots of sites you can visit for advice and support, both locally and nationally.

• Pregnancy in Doncaster
• NHS
• Childline - I think I'm pregnant
• Start4life offers a range of services to support young mums during pregnancy and after you have given birth.
• The Families Information Service lists information on childcare and support for new families
• Healthy Start offer vouchers to pregnant young people under the age of 18 which can be exchanged for free milk, fruit and veg and vitamins.

Breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, why not consider breastfeeding to give your baby the best start in life? Research has shown the benefits of breastfeeding and that breastfed babies experience fewer health problems and enjoy better health later in life.

Sexual orientation is about who you are attracted to both physically and emotionally. Everyone has a sexual orientation and this might change over time. There is no set age that people get to know their sexual and emotional feelings. Everyone is different.

It might take some time to work out what your sexual orientation is. There’s no such thing as normal and you don’t have to feel pressured or rushed to give yourself a label.

Childline have more information and advice 

Advice is available from Stonewall if you are confused about your sexuality.

Proud Trust have information and advice for young people.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) issues can be complex.  There are issues around coming to terms with your sexuality and transgender situation (or having the confidence and space to explore it) as well as the attitudes, beliefs and behaviour of those around you – at home, school, college, work and in your social life.

Doncaster Pride is a registered charity that works for and on behalf of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBTQ+) community in Doncaster. 

Doncaster Safeguarding Children Partnership also have some useful information and FAQ’s on their website.

Doncaster LGBTQ is a leading partnership advocating for and supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning young people. We envision a world in which all LGBTQ children, young people and families enjoy the freedom to live safely, openly and genuinely. The group is run by Doncaster Council's Youth Workers and the group meet on a weekly basis. Please contact us for membership details on: LGBTQenquiries@doncaster.gov.uk

What is Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)?

Child Sexual Exploitation is when a young person is used by being made or tricked into doing something sexual sometimes  receiving something in return like love, affection, money, drugs or alcohol.

Doncaster Safeguarding Children Partnership has information on how to spot the signs of Sexual Exploitation and who you can talk to about it. 

NWG Network also have useful information on CSE for young people

What is online grooming?

Online grooming is when someone uses the internet to trick, force or pressure a young person into doing something sexual - like sending a naked video or image of themselves. This is wrong.

Anyone can groom someone. A 'groomer' is someone who makes an emotional connection with someone to try and make you do things like:

• have sexual conversations online or by text messages
• send naked images of yourself, which is sometimes called sexting
• send sexual videos of yourself
• do something sexual live on webcam
• meet up with them in person.

They might be old, or young. And they can be male or female. 

Most of us talk to people online – it's a great way to stay connected. It can even be a good way of making new friends sometimes. But it's really important to understand the dangers of talking to someone you don't know.

If you send someone sexual photos or videos of yourself, you lose control over what happens to them. The other person may end up showing them to other people. They could even use images you’ve sent to blackmail you. For example, they may say that they'll post them online if you don’t keep sending more images. But we can help.

If you’re under 18 and someone posts an explicit or nude image online you can make a report to the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF). They can contact the website to try and remove it without getting anyone involved.

Nobody should blackmail or pressure you into doing something sexual online. If someone is doing this you're not alone. You can make a report to CEOP. Or speak to a Childline counsellor.

Childline and Doncaster Safeguarding Children Partnership have more information on how to stay safe online.

Most of us will experience a difficult personal relationship (often more than one) at some time during our lives. Sometimes relationships feel hard, strained or out of our control and we may not understand why.

Domestic abuse is any type of controlling, bullying, threatening or violent behaviour between people in a relationship. But it isn’t just physical violence – domestic abuse includes emotional, physical, sexual, financial or psychological abuse.

Abusive behaviour can occur in any relationship. It can continue even after the relationship has ended. Both men and women can be abused or abusers.

Domestic abuse can include:

• sexual abuse and rape (including within a relationship)
• punching, kicking, cutting, hitting with an object
• withholding money or preventing someone from earning money
• taking control over aspects of someone's everyday life, which can include where they go and what they wear
• not letting someone leave the house
• reading emails, text messages or letters
• threatening to kill or harm them, a partner, another family member or pet.

Find information on how to spot signs of abuse and how to get help.