Liverpool Youth and Play Service websiteHealth issues
On this page are a selection of links we think you may find useful.
Please note when you select one of these links you will leave the LYS web site. Consequently we are not responsible for the content held within these web sites.
Liverpool Primary Care Trust (PCT) is an NHS organisation dedicated to delivering NHS healthcare to the people of Liverpool. For more information on local health services please the website at www.liverpoolpct.nhs.uk.
There is also a Liverpool Health Promotion Service which has access to information on lots of issues. Visit www.lhps.org.uk/health_promos.html.
NHS Choices is the new service that helps you to make the most of your health and get the best out of the NHS - visit www.nhs.uk.
NHS Direct is at the forefront of 24-hour health care - delivering telephone and e-health information services day and night direct to the public. Call 0845 46 47 or visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk.
The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is there to help when you need advice, have concerns or don't know where to turn with regards to NHS services.
They can help by:
- offering advice and support to patients, their families and carers
- providing information on NHS services
- listening and responding to concerns, suggestions or queries
- helping sort out problems quickly on your behalf.
You can contact the PALS service on 0800 073 1106 (24 hour voicemail) or by email at PALS@liverpoolpct.nhs.uk
Alcohol and Drugs
Liverpool Alcohol Awareness has a website at www.pssst.org.uk with a link to www.drinkaware.co.uk
Children and Young People living with drugs and Alcohol Problems OK UK at 'The Door' offers counselling for children and young people affected by drugs or alcohol. This includes those who use drugs or alcohol or those whose parents or cares misuse drugs or alcohol.
Contact 0151 702 0700
YPAS also has a substance misuse worker who can provide practical and emotional support for young people aged 10 - 18 who have problems with drugs or alcohol. For more information contact 0151 707 1025, visit the website at www.ypas.org.uk or email support@ypas.org.uk.
Drinkline provides information and advice to anyone concerned about drinking - 0800 917 8282.
Al-a-teen is part of al-anon and provides support and advice to young people who are affected by someone else's drinking. www.al-anon.org.uk
Young addaction is another support service - call 0800 0196 197 or visit the website at www.youngaddaction.org.uk
Free confidential drugs information and advice 24 hours a day www.talktofrank.com.
Other useful websites - www.wrecked.co.uk and www.wiredforhealth.gov.uk.
Sexual Health
Abacus Clinics for contraception and reproductive health care are free and confidential to men and women of all ages. There are a number of clinics across the City, some are drop in, whilst more specialist services will need an appointment. Contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 for your nearest clinic.
So to Speak is a sexual health education team that aims to give young people the information they need to make informed choices about their sexual health. Visit www.sotospeak.co.uk
The Armistead Centre is a free and confidential service for the lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) community, particularly focusing on preventing HIV and promoting sexual health.
The Centre offers a wide range of services, including a support group for 13-19 year olds and a phone helpline.
Visit www.armisteadcentre.co.uk or call the helpline on 0870 990 8996.
Brook provides free contraceptive and sexual health services for young people under 25. Call 0151 207 4000 or visit www.brook.org.uk for more information.
Other useful contacts
Sexwise - A helpline, for young people under 18 which is open from 7am to midnight every day. 0800 28 29 30.
www.bpas.co.uk Information on unplanned pregnancies and abortions, as well as emergency contraception and other related matters. Also, www.ruthinking.co.uk.
Healthy eating and Exercise
The campaigns to get Liverpool to be an active and healthy City! Visit www.liverpoolactivecity.co.uk or www.tasteforhealth.com.
A website that provides essential information on diet, nutrition and understanding food labels - www.eatwell.gov.uk.
A website that makes the link between diet, exercise and stopping smoking as ways to keep healthy. www.reducetherisk.org.uk
The British Heart Foundation has lifestyle information and interactive resources for children and youn people. Visit www.cbhf.net (under 11s) and www.yheart.net (11 and over)
The importance of eating 5 pieces of fruit and vegetables per day - www.5aday.nhs.uk
Other useful links
www.foodfiness.org.uk www.lifebytes.gov.uk www.gotravelwise.com
Smoking
Smoking is the biggest single cause of ill health and early death in the UK. In Liverpool, around 1,000 people are killed as a result of smoking - up to 100 of those people have never smoked!
The Smokefree Liverpool website has all the latest news, reports research and resources. www.smokefreeliverpool.com
D-MYST (Direct Movement by the Youth Smokefree Team) is a smokefree movement run by, and for young people in Liverpool. www.d-myst.info
ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) is a public health charity which works to reduce and eventually get rid of the health problems caused by tobacco.
www.ash.org.uk
Mental Health and well being
Mental health, like physical health, is something that we all have and is about how we feel and think. Everybody has days when they experience mental or emotional distress or upset, depending upon what's happening in their lives at the time.
Sometimes it's really helpful to get support when things aren't going too well. If you are not feeling good you need to talk to somebody - this could be a parent or carer, a teacher, mentor, youth worker, social worker, doctor or any other person that you think will be able to offer you support. You can also contact any of the organisations listed below for more help.
A guide to the mental health services available for young people through Liverpool PCT is now available via the Liverpool PCT website at www.liverpoolpct.nhs.uk
Liverpool Mental Health Awareness
A website that provides information about services across the city who can provide help and support for all children and young people - www.livementalhealth.org.uk
A search engine that helps you find the services that you need. Visit www.help4me.info.
The Young Persons Advisory Service (YPAS) provides support, advice, information and counselling for young people aged 10-26. You can find out more about them by logging on to their website: www.ypas.org.uk
Emailing them at: support@ypas.org.uk or by telephone on 0151 707 1025
The Royal Liverpool Children's NHS Trust (Alder Hey) provides a range of service for children and young people experiencing emotional difficulties and distress. You can be referred by your GP or any other professional that you may be working with (such as a teacher, social worker, etc). They should always discuss this with you first.
Telephone 0151 293 3662 or visit their website for more information: www.alderhey.com
Children and young people who are refugees or seeking asylum can access specific support through PSS (Personal Social Service Society) and the Haven Project. These organisations can be contacted either through your GP, school or by telephoning the Royal Liverpool Children's NHS Trust on 0151 293 3662.
Young people involved in the Criminal Justice System or Youth Offending Service (YOS) can access appropriate support from the mental health nurses based within the YOS and/ or counselling from a YPAS counsellor if that is what you would prefer.
Children and young people who are Black and/or from Minority Ethnic Groups can access support from an organisation called Building Bridges, a part of the services offered by the Royal Liverpool Children's NHS Trust which offers culturally sensitive support for children, young people and their families. This service can be contacted on 0151 709 6126.
Barnardos Action for Young Carers provide practical and emotional support, advice and advocacy for children and young people whose lives are affected by caring responsibilities. You can contact young carers on 0151 708 7323 or email: youngcarers.liverpool@barnardos.org.uk.
Liverpool ADHD Foundation can provide support for children and young people between the ages of 5 and 18. They can also help you and your family to understand the diagnosis, what this means and how you can learn to manage your ADHD.
For more information contact 0151 709 4239 or email info@liverpooladhdfoundation.org.uk
Some other useful contacts:
www.youngminds.co.uk www.mind.org.uk
Childline: 0800 11 11 Samaritans: 08457 909090
