R U Ready?

Do you feel that you are ready to have sex? Before you make any decisions, think about these questions. You should be able to answer ‘yes’ to them all before you even think about having sex with someone.

• You feel you could say no if you wanted to
• You can have fun together without anything sexual involved
• You each want it for yourself
• Don’t do it to fit in with a friend
• Nobody is forcing you, pressurizing you or making you
• You have discussed using condoms and contraception
• You have agreed what happens next and whether or not to tell your friends afterwards
• You have talked about what you do if the sex leads to pregnancy

However, even if you can answer ‘yes’ to them all, it doesn’t mean you have to have sex. You may feel like everyone is talking about it but only you can make the decision about whether or not you are ready.

Visit the Sex and young people website  for more information.

Young people’s clinics/ drop-in centres

Young people can go to any contraceptive or sexual health service for confidential help, advice and treatment. However, there are some places which are just for young people which provide free condoms through the C-card scheme, pregnancy tests and in some cases, contraception and testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Click here for young people’s clinics.

Speak out against abuse

Relationship abuse can happen to anyone. It involves more than physical violence, it can be when someone puts you down, threatens you or forces you to do something you don’t want to.

For more information aimed at young people, go to This is Abuse.

Useful links

• Brook
• Like It Is
• Education for Choice
• Sex and Relationship Education
• Talk to Frank
• Childline

WARNING: Drugs and alcohol can affect your judgement when it comes to making decisions about sex. For more information, go to Drinkaware http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/

NHS Drinking website http://www.drinking.nhs.uk/