Text sex help planned for London kids as young as 10

KIDS as young as 10 in London are to get sex counselling and education by text messaging, online and face-to-face. The National Lottery’s Young People’s Fund has awarded the Terrence Higgins Trust �432,000 to offer sexual health counselling and mentoring for kids from 10 to 18.

KIDS as young as 10 in London are to get sex counselling and education by text messaging, online and face-to-face.

The National Lottery’s Young People’s Fund has awarded the Terrence Higgins Trust �432,000 to offer sexual health counselling, mentoring support and volunteering opportunities for kids from 10 to 18.

The three-year project beginning next month is aimed at youngsters who are worried about sex, sexuality, relationships, sexual health and sexually transmitted infections.

“We are aiming to reach out to a growing number of young people with technology who may not have used traditional services,” said the trust’s Christine Mead.

“This cash enables us to bridge the gaps between mental and sexual health. Youngsters may prefer talking to their peers about these issues and this service lets them have both peer mentoring and counselling.”

The trust is currently talking to youngsters to find out the themes for online information and guidance. The youngsters would then be encouraged to become peer mentors’ supporting other youngsters.