The choice to be sexually active is a personal one. Knowing your risk for STDs and pregnancy, using protection, and understanding the meaning of consent are related to your overall wellness. Below are some articles produced by Brook to provide support and guidance around this area:

• Having sex for the first time
• Sexting and sending nudes
• Having great sex (safely!)
• Sex and consent
• Consent myths and facts
• Methods of contraception
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Sexuality describes your sexual preferences. Sexual orientation makes up a part of someone’s sexuality, however, it covers more than just who a person is attracted to. Your sexuality is what you enjoy and how you enjoy it, whether that is about partners or activities.

• What is sexuality?
• Sexuality: a few definitions
• Coming out
• Homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying

MindOut is a mental health service run by and for lesbians, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer people. They work to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all LGBTQ communities, whilst their face to face services only cover Brighton and Hove. Their Online Support service is available globally. Alternatively, Mind has dedicated support for the LGBTIQ+ community.

NSPCC has advice for parents to support a child if they’ve come out or are questioning their sexuality or sexual orientation