Sexual health services for young people

Highland Sexual Health offers confidential services for young people in the Highland Health and Social Care Partnership area, including testing and treating sexually transmitted infections, and contraception.

A live chat service is available 4-5pm, Monday to Friday, which is delivered by their experienced nursing team.

For more information, condoms by post, online booking, self-sample kits and live chat, visit the Highland Sexual Health website.

Currently there is no designated sexual health service for young people in the Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership area, however there are professionals who will be able to advise and support young people.

As well as GPs and practice nurses, nurses in the school health team are experienced in helping young people cope with issues, including worries about sexual health and pregnancy.  Youth workers are also experienced in supporting young people.

If you are aged between 13 and 15 and need to see a health professional such as a GP, practice nurse or school nurse about a sexual health matter, you may be worried that information may be passed to your parents or carer. Sexual health services are confidential, including for people aged 13 to 15. This means the doctor or nurse won’t tell your parents or anyone else, as long as they believe you’re mature enough to understand the information, decisions and any treatment involved.

There are strict guidelines for healthcare professionals who work with people under 16. The guidelines are there to keep you safe, not judge you. However, if a professional believes that there’s a risk to your safety and welfare then they have a duty to protect you - and this may mean speaking to a parent or carer.