Adolescent
i-THRIVE
i-THRIVE is a National Programme that aims to help children and young people improve their mental health and wellbeing.
In collaboration with i-THRIVE, Merton Council have created a leaflet with information about local resources that are accessible to children and young people: i-THRIVE Flyer – Parents, Carers, Families and Young People
There are also YouTube videos available for both parents and children, covering topics such as anxiety, motivation and sleep disruption.
Confidentiality
- We provide a confidential service to all of our patients, including those under 16.
- Confidentiality is about keeping things private between you and a healthcare professional. This means anything you discuss with a member of the practice will not be shared with anyone, including your family, teachers or employers.
- The only time a healthcare professional might have to consider sharing information is if they are worried that you are putting yourself or others in serious danger. It is your right to be told if this is going to happen and we will always try to discuss this with you first.
Making an appointment
- There are multiple ways to book an appointment to see a doctor, nurse, paramedic, pharmacist, physio or social prescriber at our practice.
- You can do this by calling reception or by booking online.
- You will need to register for online services, and are able to do this from any age. (www.lambtonroadmedical.nhs.uk – Register for Online Services)
Confidentiality
- Everyone at the practice has the right to consent, including those under 16.
- Consent is about giving permission for things to happen to you, eg deciding what treatment you get. Everyone has the right to make their own decisions about things that happen to their bodies, whatever their age.
- However, if a healthcare professional thinks you are unable to understand the advice or make an informed decision, they may need someone else to consent for you such as a parent.
Registering at our practice
- You are able to register for our practice from any age. If you are less than 16 we will likely ask for a parent/carer to co-sign, but it is not compulsory. (www.lambtonroadmedical.nhs.uk – New Patient Registration)
- If you are already registered with our practice when you turn 13, it is a good idea to update your contact information. (www.lambtonroadmedical.nhs.uk – Change Personal Details)
- This ensures we have your mobile phone number and email on our records, so we can contact you directly.
During your appointment
- Every young person is entitled to see a GP on their own.
- In fact, it is an important part of growing up to be able to talk about your health.
- You are able to book appointments and be seen without a parent/carer from any age.
- Routine appointments are 10 minutes long and you will be asked lots of questions.
- At first patients can feel embarrassed talking about their physical or mental health concerns, but it can help to know doctors have seen everything before.
- If you do not understand, please ask, as there is no such thing as a silly question.
Get your Rights
Information about your rights when making decision and choices about your healthcare and how to get the most out of the NHS.
Website: www.getyourrights.org
Getting It On
Information and services for 13-19 year olds on sexual and mental health issues, drugs & alcohol and relationship problems.
Website: www.gettingiton.org.uk
Sexwise
Sexwise gives you honest advice about contraception, pregnancy, STIs and pleasure.
Twitter: @sxwise
Website: sexwise.fpa.org.uk
The Wolverton - Sexual Health Clinic Kingston
Free, comprehensive and confidential sexual health, contraception and HIV service
Telephone: 02089749331
Website: www.sexualhealthkingston.co.uk
South West London Sexual Health
The nearest sexual health clinics are at the Patrick Doody Clinic and Wide Way Medical Centre. To find more local sexual health clinic locations and opening times, as well as useful details on STIs (including treatment), contraception and accessing emergency contraception, please visit shswl.nhs.uk
You can register for a home testing kist against STIs. Appointments can be booked online for this service.
Telephone: 0333 300 2100
Website: shswl.nhs.uk
Book an appointment online: swlondon.lilieonline.idoxcloud.com
Register online for a free STI home testing kit: www.shl.uk
Brook
Brook provides free and confidential sexual health and wellbeing services for nearly 250,000 young people UK-wide, each year.
Website: www.brook.org.uk
Patrick Doody Clinic Sexual Health Clinic
A sexual health clinic in Wimbledon offering appointments and walk in clinics, as well as:
- Advice and information
- Check-ups for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Contraception (including emergency contraception)
- Free condoms and lubricants
- General sexual health walk-in service
- HIV testing (including one minute tests)
- Pregnancy advice
- Treatment for infections
- Young Peoples Drug and Alcohol services
- Emotional health and wellbeing youth services
Telephone: 03333002100
Website: www.shswl.nhs.uk
Streatham Hill Centre Sexual Health Clinic
Free and confidential sexual and reproductive health clinic
Telephone: 020 3049 4006
Website: www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk
Spectra
Free sexual health and well-being services. Includes a range of services such as: social groups and counselling for trans, non-binary and gender-diverse people, LGBTQ+ counselling and youth groups, and 1:1 mentoring, advocacy and signposting services.
Twitter: @Spectra_London
Telephone: 0800 587 8302 or 020 3322 6920
Website: spectra-london.org.uk
Email: info@spectra-london.org.uk
Mermaids
Charity aimed at supporting transgender, nonbinary and gender-diverse children and young people their families.
Website: www.mermaidsuk.org.uk
London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard
Free and confidential support and information to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered communities throughout the UK
Website: www.switchboard.lgbt
Happy Maps
HappyMaps is a charity developed by GPs and CAMHS professionals with help from parents and young people. Collection of mental health resources for parents and carers, and for young people and children, in one place.
Website: www.happymaps.co.uk
Doc Ready
Doc Ready is a digital tool that helps young people to prepare and make the most out of mental health related GP visits. It helps young people to know what to expect during a GP consultation, plan what to say and record the outcomes of their appointments.
Website: www.docready.org
Off the record
Free, independent and professional counselling for 14-25 year olds.
Website: www.talkofftherecord.org
Childline
Free and confidential help and counselling service for young people in the UK.
Website: www.childline.org.uk
Young minds
The UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people’s mental health.
Website: www.youngminds.org.uk
Kooth
Kooth is a free online counselling and emotional wellbeing support service.
Website: www.kooth.com
The Mix
The Mix is here to take on the embarrassing problems, weird questions, and please-don’t-make-me-say-it-out-loud thoughts that people under 25 have in order to give them the best support through our digital and phone services.
Website: www.themix.org.uk
Papyrus
For young people who have been thinking of taking their own life or who have been harming themselves. Useful resources for young people and their parents/carers, friends or family.
Website: www.papyrus-uk.org
BEAT
The UK’s eating disorder charity. Online resources include helplines, chatrooms and self-help guides.
Website: www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Talk to Frank
Confidential and friendly information and advice about drugs
Website: www.talktofrank.com
One You Merton
Aims to help local people to eat well, move more, drink less & stop smoking.
Website: www.oneyoumerton.org
Walk4Life
Short, volunteer led walks around Merton. Suitable for everyone, particularly those who would like to be more active.
Young Merton
Online directory of services and activities for young people in Merton.
Well Centre
Adolescent health centres providing a free and confidential health hub for 11 to 20 year olds. Has onsite GPs, health and wellbeing practitioners and counsellors. Multiple locations in Balham, Lambeth, Putney and Herne hill. All but Herne hill require referral from GP.
Website: www.thewellcentre.org
Merton Young Person’s Risk and Resilience Service (C22 DiSC)
This specialist service aims to increase young people’s engagement in diversionary activities that support reductions in the use of substances, and promote sexual health and positive health choices.
Website: www.catch-22.org.uk
Facebook: Catch22-Merton-DISC
Twitter: @MertonDisc
Telephone: 020 3701 8641
Email: sarah.bell@catch-22.org.uk