Personal relationships
Bisexual, straight, gay, transsexual, lesbian, transgender – we are all part of a varied and interesting world. However, finding where you fit in that world can be confusing and worrying. Learning to build happy, health relationships takes time. Dealing with the feelings when relationships go wrong can take longer.
Contact Connexions for advice and information. The advisers won’t judge you – only listen and support.
Family relationships and family changes
Relationships form a big part of our lives and research has shown that family and friends are major sources of personal advice and guidance for 11 – 19 year olds. But most relationships have their ups and downs and things can happen which are upsetting or distressing.
Sometimes it isn’t easy to talk to those we are close to – especially if there is a disagreement. But talking to someone is usually better than bottling things up. Sharing problems can help you see things from all sides and hopefully get the problem sorted quickly.
Any changes within a family can take a while to sort out. For some it can be an exciting and happy time. For others it can be an upsetting and lonely experience. Many young people find problems within families and stepfamilies very difficult to understand and deal with.
Being a parent
Being a parent is a big responsibility. It demands a lot of time, commitment, patience and energy. Your life will never be the same again. It might be difficult to spend as much time with friends and money will probably be in short supply. But the rewards can be amazing, surprising and well worth the sacrifices.
Whether planned or unplanned, having a child will demand a change in attitude, routine and lifestyle. Having a good support network of friends, family, professionals will make life easier and more enjoyable.
Find out more about antenatal classes and joining the NCT. Membership of NCT is £39 for the year, but teenage parents can join for £1!
Bullying and abuse
Violence at home or abuse is never right – even if the person doing it says they are sorry. If something is happening at home to you or a member of your family and you know it isn’t right - you should ask for help as soon as soon as possible.
Dealing with a death
Dealing with a death is never easy – especially when you are young and it is someone close to you. It will take time to learn to cope with the situation and your feelings. Sometimes it isn’t easy to say how you feel to other members of your family who are also very sad. Everyone will need time to adjust.
Talk to someone you trust or talk to your Connexions Personal Adviser or call into your local Connexions Centre to talk about any of these issues. Your Personal Adviser won’t judge you – only listen and support. They will be happy to talk through your situation with you and put you in touch with local organisations and projects to help you.
Weblinks
Personal Relationships
RU Thinking – sections on sexual identity and developing happy, health relationships.
External link: ruthinking.co.uk
T: 0800 28 29 30
Youth Information – lots of information about sexual identity and relationships.
External link: youthinformation.com
Family Relationships
Childline – 24 hour help for young people with any problem including those in trouble or in danger.
External link: childline.org.uk
T: 0800 1111
It’s not your fault – if you are worried about your family splitting up.
External link: itsnotyourfault.org
Step families – what to expect and how to adjust.
External link: childline.org.uk/Stepfamilies
Worried? Need to Talk – this site includes clips you can listen to and sign language videos.
External link: worriedneed2talk.org.uk
Young Minds - information and support for young people experiencing mental or emotional distress.
External link: youngminds.org.uk
Being a parent
Care to Learn – help with childcare costs while you learn.
External link: direct.gov.uk/caretolearn
One Parent Families - information, advice and support.
External link: oneparentfamilies.org.uk
T: 0800 018 5026
Parentline Plus – because children don’t come with instructions.
External link: parentlineplus.org.uk
T: 0808 800 2222
Young fathers – your rights and responsibilities. Go to Family and relationships>Family and personal>Young fathers.
External link: youthinformation.com
Youth Information – lots of practical advice and information. Go to Family and relationships>Childcare.
External link: youthinformation.com
Bullying and abuse
Childline – 24 hour help for young people with any problem including those in trouble or in danger.
External link: childline.org.uk
T: 0800 1111
The Hideout - provides help, information and support on domestic violence.
External link: thehideout.org.uk
Don’t Hide It – help and advice for all forms of abuse.
External link: donthideit.com
Dealing with a death
Cruse Bereavement Cares - offers free information and advice to anyone affected by a death.
Under 18 - External link: rd4u.org.uk
T: 0808 808 1677
Over 18 - External link: crusebereavementcare.org.uk
T: 0870 167 1677
Publication to download
Relationship - your identity, family change, young parents, dealing with death, looked after children and runaways.
