in the

stone

Dealing with relationships takes time and this is the reason some don’t last. This can be hurtful, but with each relationship you learn more and more.

When you are in a relationship it’s important to talk to each other. Learning to communicate in a relationship is important. This way you’re able to discuss and express feelings and opinions.

Everyone’s body is different and it’s important to not feel pressured into having sex earlier than you want it. It’s up to the individual person to decide how far to go and when to stop. Some people have religious views and personal beliefs on sex before marriage and you shouldn’t feel worried to express your views.

If you don’t know what you want, be confident. You have a right to make up your own mind without being pressurised.

Contraception
Contraception is important to not only prevent pregnancy but it will also prevent sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STI). However, you must remember that no contraception is ever 100% accurate and it’s always best to use more than one method where available.

There is a number of different contraception’s available. If you’re unsure what method is best suited for you, as a doctor, or download the  Fpa Guide to Contraception

 
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)

Infections can pass to another person through unprotected sex, by genital contact and through sharing sex toys. Infections that spread in this way are known as sexually transmitted infections. You don't need to have many sexual partners to get an infection.

If you experience any of the following you should seek advice:

• Unusual discharge from the vagina.
• Discharge from the penis.
• Pain or burning when you pass urine.
• Itches, rashes, lumps or blisters around the genitals or anus.
• Pain and/or bleeding during sex.
• Bleeding between periods (including women who are using hormonal contraception.)
• Bleeding after sex.
• Pain in the testicles.
• Pain in the lower abdomen.

For more advice on Sexually Transmitted disease  download the table

This section will give you an overview of drug misuse and also information on how the clasifications drugs have.

Did you know?

* The police have the power to stop and search someone if they suspect them of being in possession of illegal drugs.
* The action taken if you are caught with drugs will depend on the circumstances and the drug in question. You may be arrested, the drugs seized and you may be charged or receive a formal caution.
* A record of the incident will be made that may be taken into account when deciding whether to charge or caution you in any future incidents.
* If this is not your first offence, or you have been caught supplying or dealing the drug, you are more likely to be charged.
* If you are charged with possession and found guilty, you will be fined and/or given a community sentence.
* If you are charged with dealing or supplying you may face a prison term.
* There is always a risk that you will be caught and punished for possession of a controlled substance.
* This may cause you to acquire a criminal record that could affect your employment opportunities and ability to travel to certain countries.

The reality is drugs aren’t 100% what you believe, they can contain anything. Drugs like cocaine can be sold to you as washing powder, baking powder, anything! It’s impossible to know what is inside that drug and what effect it will have on you.

To see the full range of services available in Maidstone download the brochure belw

  Drugs and Substance Misuse Brochure 
 
To Learn more on drugs and substance misuse download below.
  Drugs and Substance Misuse

This pop up will include everything you need to know about smoking, the costs of smoking and ways to quit.

 
Smoking Isn’t Pretty!
Did you know smoking affects the way you look, feel as well as the effects it has on your body. Smoking can affect; the colour of your skin, give you premature wrinkles and also yellow teeth!

Here are some of the other effects that smoking does to your body.

* Reduced fertility, risky pregnancy, baby at risk
* Damage taste buds
* Shortness of breath
* Lack of energy
* Poor concentration
* Damaged circulation, gangrene, amputation
* Lung cancer, emphysema, stroke, heart attack - the list goes on

Smoking affects more than just your body!
* Polluting the air
* Effectively children around you (especially if they have Asthma)
* Making dusty and stuffy atmospheres. Nicotine stains your walls as well as your fingers.
* Spoilt clothes and furniture.
* Increase risk of fire in the home.

Smoking Costs

Each month


= 16 x 

That means by smoking 2 cigarettes a day you could buy yourself 16 drinks in Switch each month!

 See what you could earn by trading in your cigarettes!

How to Quit

Nicotine cravings are the hardest thing about quitting Smoking. There are plenty of Nicotine Replacement treatments out there and they can give you the support you need to kick the craving. In fact using more than one method and taking use of your local ‘stop smoking service’ you're 4 times more likely to continue being smoke free!

 Quitting methods

This section will include safe night outs, units, the law and a quick quiz.

The media portray England as a society hooked on alcohol and drinking itself to death, with young people at the forefront of their criticism. However this doesn’t include all young people. It’s important to learn the risk of alcohol. Hopefully the information on ‘In The Stone’ will help you to drink responsibly.

Did you know that drinking as a teenager the risks are multiplied because your body is still growing and isn’t experienced enough to deal with alcohol. This means you won’t have to drink huge quantities to see serious consequences.
Every year 10,000 young people aged from 11 to 17 are admitted to hospital as a result of drinking.  Over half of these (6,000) children are under 16.


Safe Night Out
Alcohol effects your response time, and the way you react to situations. Have a read of top tips on having a safe night out, and look at the laws on drink driving.
 Top Tips on a Safe Fun Night

Take our Alcohol Quiz!
 See what you really know about Alcohol.

The Law
Thelaw on Alcohol mainly depends on how old you are, however there are other laws to go with alcohol. Make sure you know what you can and can't do. Check out the fact sheet below.

 See what the law says about drinking alcohol

Units:
Units are the official measurement of alcoholic beverages in the UK. A 'unit' is equivalent to 8 grams of pure alcohol. But the alcohol volume in products varies a lot. Learn about Units by downloading our units fact sheet!

  Units Fact Sheet