We aim to offer services which are young people friendly. We welcome young people and aim to put them at ease when they come to the practice.
We have compiled some useful information below which young people have told us is important to them when it comes to their health.
We have also provided information on your rights as a young person.
Information for under 16s
When you are 13, you can get access to your doctor’s services yourself. A doctor or nurse will be happy to see you:
· on your own
· with a friend
· with an adult – you choose!
You can also ask to see a particular doctor or nurse, male or female.
We will keep anything you tell us confidential, which means we will not discuss this with anyone, including your Parents or Carer. We would only break confidentiality if you were in danger and we would discuss this with you first.
As you get older, you can take over more of the responsibility of managing your health and care yourself. This helps you prepare for being an adult, when you can manage your appointments, prescriptions and any illnesses or conditions on your own.
Information for under-16s on parents and guardians accessing your doctor’s services – NHS
Smoking and vaping
We can provide you with help and advice on quitting smoking; this can be with information leaflets or things like nicotine patches or gum. If you are under 18 years old we can refer you to one of our specialist smoking cessation advisors.
Click the link to find out more Quit Smoking
Spots and Acne
Most young people get spots, and they do always seem to break out when you really don’t want them to. They are caused by your glands producing too much sebum –too much sebum makes your skin oily and causes spots, its important you try not to squeeze as this can make the spots worse.
Acne is different from getting a few spots. It can appear on your back, shoulders and chest as well as your face and can sometimes be painful and cause you to feel self-conscious or embarrassed. Acne usually needs treatment with products only available on prescription.
Click the link to find out more: Acne – NHS
If you are finding your spots a problem book and appointment to discuss with a doctor or our Nurse Practitioner.
Sexual Health
Sunderland sexual health and contraception services
The service provides a one stop shop for people looking to access sexual health services in Sunderland. The service is free of charge and operates out of Sunderland Royal Hospital with outreach clinics operating in Houghton and Washington.
Click the link to find out more
Home :: Sexual Health :: South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
Contraception is free to all men and women of all ages. There are many different methods of contraception and different methods will suit people at different times of their lives. If you want to talk about this or any other sexual health issue get in touch to make an appointment.
Pregnancy
Finding out you’re pregnant when you’re a teenager can be daunting, especially if the pregnancy was not planned. But help and support is available.
First, if you think you might be pregnant but you’re not sure, it’s important to take a pregnancy test as soon as possible to find out.
Make sure you talk through your options and think carefully before you make any decisions. Try talking to a family member, friend or someone you trust.
Whatever your age, you can also ask for confidential advice from:
- a GP or practice nurse
- a contraception or sexual health clinic
- NHS 111 – available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Click the link to find out more Teenage pregnancy support – NHS
Drugs and alcohol
Finding out you’re pregnant when you’re a teenager can be daunting, especially if the pregnancy was not planned. But help and YDAP offer specialist help, advice and support on alcohol and drug related matters for young people (up to the age 18) who live in the Sunderland area, parents and professionals.
The service also offers targeted brief intervention (one to one or group work) directed at known experimental or recreational users of alcohol and or drugs and also those young people deemed to be at potentially heightened risk and vulnerability.
Follow the link to find out more: ydap.project@sunderland.gov.uk
Feeling down (mental health support)
If you are struggling with how you’re feeling you’re not alone and there is support available. Children and young people’s mental health services cover a wide range of mental health needs, including support to:
- manage feelings, such as low mood (depression) and anxiety
- manage behaviours, such as eating disorders and self-harm
- cope with the impact of difficult things in your life, such as losing a loved one or bullying
- manage experiences you may have, such as seeing or hearing things that are not real
A professional such as a GP, teacher, school nurse or social worker can put you in touch with your local children and young people’s mental health services.
You can also refer yourself to some services.
The link below have lots of information to help children and young people get the support they need.
Children and Young People’s Health – Sunderland Health & Wellness Hub
Young carers
Are you a young carer?
A young carer is somebody aged 5 to 25 years old who lives in a household with somebody who has a long term illness, mental health illness, disability or addiction that impacts upon that young person.
Although you may not think of yourself as a carer, it is important that you can access any help you need.
We are particularly keen to support young carers and hope you will let us know about your role. You can do this by telling our reception team, doctor or nurse that you are a young carer.
There is a special website for young carers in Sunderland, packed full of useful information and support – click on the link below: