THT youth counsellor to help gay teens

By Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk • May 11, 2006 - 0:00

The post, which is based in various venues across London three days a week, will offer counselling around sexual health, sex and relationships and sexual orientation

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Sexual health charity, Terrence Higgins Trust, has received a BBC Children in Need grant of over £38,000 to fund a specialist young people's counsellor over the next three years.

The post, which is based in various venues across London three days a week, will offer counselling around sexual health, sex and relationships and sexual orientation to young people aged 13 to 18.

The counselling allows those attending to focus on a specific issue or problem, for example coming to terms with their sexuality or negotiating safer sex. It also aims to build self esteem and confidence and reduce rates of anxiety and depression.

Christine Mead, head of counselling services at Terrence Higgins Trust said "We're delighted that Children in Need have funded this counselling post. It can be very difficult for young people to talk about problems associated with sex, sexual health or sexuality. Without support some young people may feel isolated or depressed, or pressured into taking risks with their sexual health. This funding will allow us to offer specialist help to those in need and expand our service for teenagers."

In order to ensure that young people throughout the capital can access the service, the counsellor will be based in different parts of London during the week including Earls Court, Waterloo, Kings Cross and Kings College Hospital. Referrals to the service can be made by the individual themselves or by organisations such as care homes, social services, youth groups or GUM clinics.

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