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Young peoples health
Growing up comes with big questions, weird changes, new experiences, and sometimes a bit of “uh… what is happening?!” This page is your go to hub for straight talking info made just for young people in North Lincolnshire. Whether you’re curious about health, friendships, body changes, eating well, or just want reliable facts (not TikTok myths), you’re in the right place. No judgement. No awkwardness. Just stuff you actually want to know.
Visiting the Doctor – No Big Deal
Feeling rough? Worried about something? Or just need some advice? Doctors and nurses help young people every day — nothing you say will surprise them. Whether it’s your physical health, stress, or anything else, they’ve got your back.
👉 NHS find a doctor.
GP surgeries will normally let you see a doctor by yourself from the age of 13 years old. If you are over the age of 16 you can register with a doctor yourself. If you are under 16 your parents or carers will have to do this for you.
You can make an appointment by calling your GP surgery and speaking to the receptionist or going there in person. The receptionist will probably ask you who the appointment is for and why. This is to make sure that you see the right person at the right time. Some surgeries now allow you to book an appointment online. You may have to register first, so call or visit the practice to find out how to do this.
To help you work out what you want to say to the doctor try the Doc Ready app. Childline (Visiting your doctor) have also got some great top tips.
Puberty / Growing Up / Spots – Totally Normal Stuff
Puberty can feel a bit chaotic — one minute you’re fine, the next your skin, mood and body are all doing their own thing. Spots? Yep, pretty much everyone deals with them. All these changes are normal, and there’s loads of support if things feel confusing.
👉 Learn what’s normal during puberty
Sexual Health – Your Body, Your Choice
Growing up comes with big feelings, big questions, and lots of changes. If you ever need support about your body, relationships or general wellbeing, your school nurse or doctor is there to help. It’s confidential, and you won’t be judged.
👉 NHS Trusted health advice for young people.
It can be really tough to work out where to get safe sexual health advice from when you are a teen. Check Me Out is a local website written by teens with the Lincolnshire Sexual Health Service. It gives advice on contraception, healthy relationships and online safety and respect (plus loads more.) It has a search function for your local sexual health clinics and also lists pharmacies in the area where you can get chlamydia test kits and free condoms. If you need urgent help go to Get help for your symptoms NHS or ring NHS 111.
HPV Immunisation – One Jab, Big Protection
The HPV vaccine is a quick jab that protects you from certain viruses linked to cancers later in life. Most people get it in school (Year 8), but if you missed it, you can often still get it for free up to age 25. Easy, fast, and protective.
👉 Find out about the HPV vaccine
Smoking and Vaping – not as harmless as they look
Vapes might come in bright colours and fruity flavours, but most contain nicotine, which is super addictive — especially for young, developing brains. Even “nicotine free” vapes can still contain chemicals and toxins that affect your lungs. It’s illegal to sell vapes or cigarettes to under 18s, and long term effects of vaping are still being researched, so staying vape free is the safest choice.
👉 NHS: Young People and Vaping
👉 Healthier Together: Vaping Explained
You Are What You Eat – Fuel Your Body
Food = fuel. Eating a mix of colourful fruit and veg, wholegrains, and protein helps you stay energised, focused and feeling good. You don’t have to give up treats — just balance things so your body gets what it needs to keep up with you!
👉 Healthy eating tips for young people
Energy Drinks – What’s the Buzz Really About?
Energy drinks might look cool and promise a quick boost, but many contain loads of caffeine and sugar — way more than most people realise. Too many can lead to headaches, sleep problems, anxiety, mood swings, and even stomach aches. They can also affect concentration and make you crash hard later. Some shops already won’t sell them to under‑16s because of the risks.
👉 Get the facts on energy drinks
Drugs – Get the Real Facts
Heard stuff about drugs but not sure what’s true? Talk to Frank gives straight up facts without the boring bits. Whether you’re curious, confused, or looking out for a mate, you can check risks, get advice, or chat confidentially.
👉 Check out Talk to Frank website
County Lines – what you need to know
“County lines” is when gangs use young people to move drugs, money or messages, often using threats, manipulation, or promises of money or gifts. They might try to win your trust first — then pressure you into doing things you don’t want to do. It’s dangerous, illegal, and absolutely not your fault if someone tries to involve you. Knowing the signs can help keep you and your friends safe.
👉 Government Info on County Lines
👉 Crimestoppers (Fearless) – County Lines Signs & Support
Grooming Gangs – spot the signs, stay safe
Grooming can happen online or in person, and grooming gangs often work by pretending to be friendly, offering gifts, or making someone feel special — before pressuring them into things that aren’t safe. They target young people because they know you deserve protection, and they take advantage of trust or vulnerabilities. Remember: if someone is trying to control you, isolate you, or get you to keep secrets, that’s not normal — it’s exploitation. You’re never to blame, and help is always available.
👉 NSPCC: Criminal Exploitation & Gangs (How grooming happens + signs)
👉 Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs (Gov.uk)
You made it!
Thanks for checking out this page — seriously, go you. Growing up isn’t always simple, but you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Whenever you need info, support, or just a place that keeps things real, come back anytime. Remember: your health, your choices, your journey — and we’re here to help you smash it every step of the way. 🙌
Stay curious. Stay kind. Stay you. 💫