If you've had sex without using contraception - or you think the contraception might have failed (for example the condom split) or you have used the contraception incorrectly (for example, you forget to take a contraceptive pill - or you're sick just after you have taken one) - you can use Emergency Contraception.

Emergency contraception is what it says - for use in an emergency. You should not rely on it as a method of normal contraception - and if you do use it make sure you get some advice on other methods of contraception.

Emergency Contraception is sometimes called the Morning After Pill - but this is misleading as, although it's most effective if taken within 24 hours, it can be effective up to 72 hours (3 days) after you had unprotected sex.

Emergency Contraception is available free of charge to anyone (even if you're under 16) from:

• Any Family Planning (Contraception) Clinic
• Specialist Young Persons Services in some areas
• Any GP providing contraceptive services (not just your own doctor)
  

The consultation with the doctor or nurse is private and they will not tell anyone else about it without your permission

Family Planning clinics operate most days of the week but at weekends and Bank Holidays, Emergency Contraception is available from alternative sources. If you ring the following numbers they will tell you where it's available:

• If you live in Hartlepool contact the SureStart Plus Adviser on 01429 239926
  
• If you live in the Middlesbrough area contact the SureStart Plus Adviser on 01642 245539 (see below)
  
• If you live in the Redcar, Guisborough, East Cleveland, Eston, Grangetown, South Bank or Teesville area please phone the Teenage Pregnancy Adviser on 01642 479324
  
• If you live in the Stockton, Billingham, Thornaby or Yarm area please phone the Teenage Pregnancy Support Service on 01642 527238 or visit www.yeahbutnobut.me.uk or Brook on 01642 535300

There will be an answerphone message outside normal office hours; alternatively, if you're 18 or under you could ring the Sexwise Helpline 0800 28 29 30 - this is a freephone, it's open between 7.00am and midnight 7 days a week - and you speak to someone who is used to dealing with young people. They will know where you can get emergency contraception in the local area.

Last year emergency contraception became available over the counter in most pharmacies for women over 16 - it will cost about £20.00. The Pharmacist will ask you a number of questions to see if it's safe for you to use.

Emergency contraception is just that - contraception for an emergency - and should not be used as routine contraception. If you have used emergency contraception you need to think about what sort of contraception you will use in the future - if you go to a Family Planning Clinic they will discuss this with you and give you information so that you can choose the best contraceptive for you to use.

Middlesbrough
Emergency Contraception Free from the Following Pharmacies

Telephone the Pharmacy to confirm an accredited pharmacist is available to help
Alliance Pharmacy, 15 The Viewley Centre, Hemlington (594647)

Alliance Pharmacy, Unit 3, The Parkway Centre, Coulby Newham (594439)

Alliance (formerly Bellpharm), 9a Lealholm Crescent, Ormesby Road (314251)

Assura Pharmacy, 9 Trinity Mews, North Ormesby, Middlesbrough (239050)

Boots, The Cleveland Centre, 88/90 Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough (249616)

Also open Sundays  (check with store for details)

Boots, 455 Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough (817134)
Boots, Goodwood Square, Teesside Retail Park (605956)
Mon-Sat Pharmacy open until midnight, also open Sundays (check with store for details)
Crossfell, The Berwick Hills Centre, Ormesby Road (245859) Mon-Fri Pharmacy open until 8pm
David Jarvis Ltd, 43 Eastbouren Road, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough (817361)
Hunters, 397 Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough (819533)
Lloyds Pharmacy, 9 High Street, Ormesby (314471)
Marton Pharmacy, 4 Marton Estates, Stokesley Road, Marton (316072)
Martonside Pharmacy, Martonside Way, Middlesbrough (819601)
Moule &Co, 55 Parliament Road, Middlesbrough (244717)
Rowlands Pharmacy, 169a Borough Road, Middlesbrough (247382)
Tesco Pharmacy, Parkway Shopping Centre, Coulby Newham (410447) Mon-Sat opens early and closes late.  Also open Sundays (check with store)
Victoria Chemist, 118 Victoria road, Middlesbrough (356606)

Remember - If taken within 72 hours Emergency Contraception can prevent an unplanned pregnancy

Emergency Contraception is also available from: - GP Practices and the Contraception & Sexual health Service.  Tel 01642 459583 (24hr answering machin

IN STOCKTON

The following pharmacies are now accredited to provide free Emergency oral Hormonal Contraception (morning after pill), with immediate effect.  The emergency pill must be taken within 72 hours of have sex.  Please call the pharmacy beforehand to ensure that an accredited pharmacist is available.


Alliance Pharmacy, 12 Wrightson House, Mitchell Avenue, Thornaby - Tel: 01642 769600
Alliance Pharmacy, Norton Healthcare Centre, Billingham Road, Norton - Tel: 01642 553970
Asda Pharmacy, Portrack Lane, Stockton - Tel: 01642 623300
Boots the Chemist, 25 Queensway, Billingham - Tel: 01642 553263
Boots the Chemist, 58 - 63 High Street, Stockton - Tel: 01642 611200
Boots the Chemist, Goodwood Square, Teesside Retail Park, Stockton - Tel: 01642 603263
Boots the Chemist, Thornaby Medical Centre, Trenchard Avenue, Thornaby - Tel: 01642 763803 -
Boots the Chemist, 44 High Street, Yarm - Tel: 01642 787396
Davidsons Pharmacy, 3 Station Road, Billingham - Tel: 01642 360145
Eaglescliffe Pharmacy, 12 Durham Lane, Orchard Estate, Eaglescliffe - Tel: 01642782676
Hepworths, 20 Greenside, Ingleby Barwick - Tel: 01642 760609
Kelly Chemist, Myton Park, 30 Myton Road, Ingleby Barwick - Tel: 01642 751110
Leven Park Pharmacy - Whitworths, 7 Healaugh Park, Yarm Tel: 01642 790731
Lloyds Pharmacy, 55 High Street, Yarm - Tel: 01642 780797
Pharmacy World, 59 Redhill Road, Roseworth - Tel: 01642 607217
Rowlands Pharmacy, Tennant Street, Stockton - Tel: 01642 676141
Rowlands Pharmacy, Lawson Streeth Health Centre, Lawson Street, Stockton - Tel: 01642 613533
Sainsbury's Pharmacy, Bishopton Road West, Stockton - Tel: 01642 678614

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Redcar & Cleveland

FREE EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION IS AVAILABLE FROM THE FOLLOWING PHARMACIES: