| Sexual health project wins praise | |
|  | | A teenager receives help from a counsellor |
| | A school drop-in centre which offers support for teenagers needing guidance on sexual health issues has won praise from Government health bosses. The TicTac Centre at Paignton Communmity College is now seen as an example to be copied elsewhere. |
| | | A pioneering centre at a Devon school which offers help and guidance for teenagers on sexual health issues has won praise by the Government.
The Teenage Information and Advice Centre (TicTac Project) at Paignton Community College was controversial when it was set up four years ago because it offered free contraceptives to youngsters.
But the Commons Health Committee now wants to see a network of similar centres across the UK. It says it's an excellent source of support for young people.
 | | The service is confidential |
That's a view shared by teenagers at the college: "I think it's a great place for confidential conversations with registered health advisers," said one student.
"It's confidential and the staff are friendly and you don't feel pressured into giving anything you don't want to give," added another.
The praise comes at a time that the Government has expressed concern at the high level of sexual health problems in the country - and one of the ways forward is seen as through education.
Students at the TicTac Project are able to discuss sexual health issues in a teacher-free zone - and it's proved a big success.
Chairman of the TicTac Committe, Dr John Bridge, said: "The pupils come in when they want to discuss something and then we extend the discussion to cover areas they probably never thought about.
 | | Principal Jane English |
"So if they are having sexual intercourse or are thinking about it, then we discuss sexually transmitted infections - which may be something quite new to them.
"We discuss how to avoid them and the risks involved, and they go away much wiser."
Principal of Paignton Community College, Jane English, welcomed the praise from the Government: "I'm delighted," she said.
"We had accolades from OFSTED (Office for Standards in Education) and now we've got accolades from the top - from a Government select group."
Article first published: 12th June 2003
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