Here’s what’s happening for young people at Weedon Surgery

Health and Well Being

Our aim at Weedon is to provide a confidential service to all our patients including those under 16 years of age. This means you can tell others about your visit, but we cannot. Advice and support on all aspects of health and wellbeing, from issues such as bullying to contraception for young people are available here at our surgery.

We offer several specific services: Time2Talk is a free counselling service which has been running a drop-in clinic here for several years every Wednesday between 3.45pm and 5.15pm for anyone aged between 13 and under 25. Time2Talk offer services on a variety of different issues including drugs & alcohol, giving up smoking, bullying and healthy eating. Sexual health and other related issues such as pregnancy are areas that can be discussed. The adviser can give you the low-down on anything from renting and letting property to the Human Rights Act!

June 2008 saw the re-launch of two schemes the “Health Zone”, and the C-Card Scheme. The Health Zone is a drop in session at the surgery which runs most Tuesday afternoons between 4.30 and 5.30pm. This means you do not need an appointment and can talk to a nurse and/or a doctor if needed about issues that are worrying you.

The C-Card Scheme offers free confidential support and advice on contraception and sexual health including free pregnancy tests and free condoms for people under 25 years. A C-Card is available here at the surgery and also from your school nurse.

The doctors here at the surgery offer a full range of services on all aspects of contraception and can help you decide what’s best for you.

Chlamydia Screening

Later this summer we are starting a screening programme to test people aged 15—24 who do not have symptoms for Chlamydia. Look on the notice boards for the launch.

Travel and University

Two areas of health that often arise for young people are for those going travelling, particularly on a gap year, and those going to University. We are able to offer travel advice and help you to make sure the only memories from your travels are good. Travel vaccinations are available at the surgery, and most of them are free of charge! Book an appointment with the practice nurse a few months before you go and we can help you to ensure that you are fully up to date and vaccinated for the countries of your choice.

Getting ready to go off to University can be a hectic time. Many Uni’s recommend that students have all their vaccinations up to date. To check, bring your record book into the nurse who will follow the latest guidelines to ensure you are covered.

www.brook.org.uk www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk