First don't be put off by the name - most people who go aren't necessarily planning to have families!

The clinics provide advice on contraception and can provide access to free condoms, the pill (oral contraception) and other methods - and also emergency contraception (sometimes known as the 'morning after pill').

The clinics are open access - you don't need an appointment or a referral from your doctor. There are clinics open somewhere locally every week day, and you can choose where to go - either near where you live, where you work, where you shop - or as far away as you can get!!! You will usually have to see a receptionist when you go in. She will ask you for some details - they're used to talking about personal issues and won't judge you by what you say. The first time you visit, you'll see a specially trained family planning doctor and when you go back for other visits you see a nurse.

There are also lots of web sites that tell you where the clinics are - the easiest to navigate is the Family Planning Association website - and it's updated regularly (unlike some) www.fpa.org.uk

On the home page click on
'I need help now '

then on
'Where do I go for help?

Click on search and fill in the first half of your postcode - you get a list of the 10 nearest clinics and a map showing where they are. On the list they give a number for the clinic (which may only be answered while the clinic is on) and a number for information. It's best to ring and check the times of the clinics - there is someone to answer the phone during office hours - or a recorded message at other times.

If you're 18 or under and you want to talk to someone over the phone you can ring the Sexwise Helpline on 0800 28 29 30 between 7.00am and midnight 7 days a week. You'll talk to someone who is specially trained - and although it's a national service, they will know where you can get support and help in our area.