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S + R Asks...
Me and my girlfriend have had sex but we have been spending alot of money on condoms, so we actualy ended up having un-protected sex. We have been told that we should go to a place called Talk Wize, but we feel really embarrased about asking for them.
What do we do if we went? What would we say? What would they say?
Please tell me
What we suggest...
Hi S + R,
Thanks for contacting q2a and telling us about your problems with spending so much on condoms you have taken risks by having unprotected sex. Luckily free condoms are available to you and they are easy to get. You can go to any young people's sexual health clinic, like TalkWise, or any family planning clinic at a health centre to get free condoms.
You mentioned that you feel really embarrassed about asking for them. This is a perfectly natural reaction but we hope to be able to encourage you, by answering the questions that you have, that going to get free condoms from TalkWise is nowhere near as bad as you might imagine.
We contacted TalkWise to check out absolutely to answers to your questions.
Most importantly, TalkWise is a confidential and free service for young people under 25 years old. It operates from the Urban Exchange where there are a number of different services for young people, so know one can really know why you have gone in.
On a first visit you would need to go to the reception desk and ask to see a nurse. The receptionist will ask you to fill out a small form asking for details such as your name, address, date of birth, GP and contact phone number. As this is a confidential service, there is a question at the end of the form which asks if the clinic has your permission to contact your parents. Many young people choose to tick the no option and that's absolutely fine and makes no difference to the service you'll be offered.
You will need to see a nurse because everyone does first visit! There is no need to be embarrassed, the staff have seen and heard everything before. All they want to be sure of is that you understand how to use a condom properly and that you understand the consequences of having a sexual relationship. When you speak to the nurse you need to explain that you are in a relationship and are sexually active. Tell them that because of the cost of buying condoms you have ended up having unprotected sex. Maybe you could show them a printed copy of this reply if that would make you feel less awkward. Then you will be able to get free supplies from TalkWise when you need them.
TalkWise is at:
# Talkwise, InfoCentre for Young People, Urban Exchange, Theatre Street, Preston (opposite the Post Office) Tel 01772 255303. Open Monday 12 - 3pm, Tuesday 3 - 7pm, Thursday 3 - 5pm and Saturday 12 - 3pm.
You can ask the staff anything you want, but if you would still prefer to ask non face to face, then please do email us again, or you could ring:
# Sexwise 0800 282930 Open from 7.00am to midnight every day (7 days a week).
# Brook confidential helpline: 0808 802 1234 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, for young people under 25).
There are also a number of websites that you may find helpful, these include www.ruthinking.co.uk, www.brook.org.uk and www.likeitis.co.uk. If you look on www.condomessentialwear.com you can also find out where else you can get free condoms.
We hope our reply is helpful,
Take care, and best wishes.
Q2A
Expert advice and every precaution has been taken to ensure that the information on this page is trustworthy and reliable, but the publishers do not hold themselves responsible for any inaccuracy as information can go out of date very quickly. This page gives general guidance only and should not be treated as a complete and authoritative statement of the law. With regard to suggested weblinks given in this reply please note that Lancashire County Council is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
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