Sexual health support for children and young people
How we can help
You can get free, confidential help with your sexual health across West Northamptonshire.
Our main provider is the West Northamptonshire Sexual Health Service. They offer friendly advice and support, whether you are looking for information or need help with something more serious.
You can get help with:
- testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- pregnancy and contraception advice
- access to contraception
If you are worried or unsure about anything, you can talk to someone who will listen and help.
You do not need a parent or carer’s permission to use these services. Everything is confidential unless someone is worried about your safety.
Advice for children and young people
There is a variety of sexual health information and support for children and young people across West Northamptonshire to help you navigate challenging times.
Some of the available local services are detailed below.
Additional information can be found on the Sexual Health Service NHFT website.
ChatHealth
A confidential service to seek advice and support for any health-related issue including sexual health and contraception.
Anyone aged from 11 to 19 can access the service by texting 07507 329600 - you will get a reply within 24 hours from an NHS School Nurse. Young people who have left school can still use this service.
The service runs from Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm (except bank holidays).
National sexual health helpline
Call this helpline for free on 0300 123 7123 from Monday to Friday between 9am and 8pm. Your call will be treated with sensitivity and in strict confidence.
The LGBT+ Helpline
Provides information, support and referral services for lesbians, gay men, bisexual and trans (transgender, transsexual, transvestite) people. Free to call on 0800 0119 100 from 10am to 10pm every day.
Free STI self-testing kit
Signs and symptoms of STIs include unusual changes or discomfort of the genitalia. However, some people may not have any signs or symptoms.
Worried you might be at risk of an STI? If you are aged between 16 and 24, you are eligible for a free home STI testing kit, which can be delivered to you by post.
Find out if you're eligible for an STI kit
Free HIV self-testing kit
Do you live in Northamptonshire and are worried you might be at risk of HIV? There are places you can find information and support.
Such as:
- Living with HIV - Trade is commissioned for peer-to-peer support as part of the HIV contract
- HIV | Terrence Higgins Trust - Terrence Higgins trust is a great website for HIV information
- Welcome to SH.UK - visit SH.UK for HIV testing
Other sources
Find out more about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and testing:
Appointments with the Sexual Health Clinic to discuss concerns and get in-person support can be booked online using the Lilie Hub booking site. For information on where you can find clinics, visit West Northamptonshire Sexual Health Service NHFT.
Additionally, there are specific under 19s drop-in clinics:
Northampton General Hospital, Billing Road, Northampton, NN1 5BD - Entrance R
Wednesday 3pm to 4:30pm
Contact number: 03000 270 110
Ashwood Centre for Sexual Health, St Mary's Hospital, London Road, Kettering, NN15 7PW
Thursday 3pm to 4:30pm
Contact number: 03000 274 100
For further support on Sexual and Reproductive Health see:
Last updated 14 April 2026