Health advice for 16 to 25 year olds

Our public health team works with other organisations and partners to offer advice and support to young people on a range of topics and health matters.

We work with Unity Sexual Health Services to offer free condoms to people aged 16 to 25 years old via the C.Card scheme.

Once you’ve registered for the scheme you’ll have a confidential appointment with a trained C.Card worker and you’ll get a plastic card unique to you. You can then collect free condoms up to four times a month from anywhere in North Somerset that is participating in the C.Card scheme (look out for the poster or window sticker). You can also order a free chlamydia testing kit online from Unity.

Weston Integrated Sexual Health  (WISH) run a young person’s clinic at Weston Hospital every first and third Saturday of the month and Clevedon young people’s clinic takes place every Thursday evening from  6.15pm to 8.30pm at Clevedon Medical Centre. For a list of support available in North Somerset visit our online directory.

The Terrence Higgins Trust also has information about HIV and sexually transmitted infections.

There has been an increase recently in the number of measles cases in the south west, particularly in young people aged over 15 years old. Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can sometimes lead to serious complications. It can be more severe in teenagers and adults than in children.

The best protection is to make sure you’ve had two doses of the MMR vaccination. You should check with your GP if you’ve had yours. If you haven’t you can arrange a catch-up vaccination at no cost.

If you think you might have measles or have been in contact with someone who has had it call NHS 111.

In recent years the MenACWY vaccine which protects against meningitis strains A, C, W and Y has routinely been offered to all teenagers in school year 9. However, people aged under 25 who are starting university for the first time are also eligible for the vaccine. If you’re unsure whether you’ve had it, ask your GP.

The Meningitis Now and Meningitis Research Foundation websites have lots of information about the signs and symptoms of meningitis as well as who is eligible for vaccinations.

The risk to your health is increased by drinking any amount of alcohol on a regular basis. The NHS website has more information about alcohol consumption and the risks of alcohol misuse. 

Information and advice about illegal drugs can be found on the Talk to Frank website. To find local support for help with drug and alcohol problems go to our drugs and alcohol page.