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 527784 or visit www.knowttherisks.co.uk .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.

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 CASH (Contraception and Sexual Health) 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 having unprotected sex or failed contraception.  Please call the pharmacy beforehand to ensure that an accredited pharmacist is available.

Available in Billingham & Norton

Billchem,  Queesnway Health Centre, Billingham Tel: (01642) 553846
Boots Pharmacy, 25 Queensway, Billingham - Tel: (01642) 553263
Boots Pharmacy, 12-14 High Street, Norton Tel: (01642) 553101
Boots Pharmacy, Norton Primary Healthcare Centre, Billingham Road, Norton Tel: (01642) 553970
Davidsons Pharmacy, 3 Station Road, Billingham - Tel: (01642) 360145
Hills Pharmacy, Kenilworth Road, Billingham  Tel: (01642) 553184
Rowlands Pharmacy, 39 Queensway, Billingham Tel: (01642) 554416

Available in Thornaby & Ingleby Barwick

Boots Pharmacy (previously Alliance)12 Wrightson House, Mitchell Avenue, Thornaby - Tel: (01642)769600
Boots Pharmacy, Thornaby Medical Centre, Trenchard Avenue, Thornaby - Tel: (01642) 763803
Hepworths, 20 Greenside, Ingleby Barwick - Tel: (01642) 760609
Kelly Chemist, Myton Park, 30 Myton Road, Ingleby Barwick - Tel: (01642) 751110

Available in Stockton

Boots Pharmacy, 58 - 63 High Street, Stockton - Tel: (01642) 675624
Boots Pharmacy, Goodwood Square, Teesside Retail Park, Stockton - Tel: (01642) 605956
Pharmacy World, 59 Redhill Road, Roseworth - Tel: (01642) 607217
Pharmacy 365 (Norchem), High Street, Stockton Tel: (01642) 633433
Rowlands Pharmacy, Tennant Street, Stockton - Tel: (01642) 676141
Rowlands Pharmacy, Lawson Streeth Health Centre, Lawson Street, Stockton - Tel: (01642) 613533
Rowlands Pharmacy (Norchem), Tennant Street, Stockton Tel:(01642) 601622
Rowlands Pharmacy, 64/66 Norton Road, Stockton Tel: (01642) 607057


Available in Yarm & Eaglescliffe

Boots the Chemist, 44 High Street, Yarm - Tel: (01642) 787396
Eaglescliffe Pharmacy, 12 Durham Lane, Orchard Estate, Eaglescliffe - Tel: (01642) 782676


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Redcar & Cleveland

FREE EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION IS AVAILABLE FROM THE FOLLOWING PHARMACIES: