EFFORD teenagers have praised the support offered by an award-winning sexual health awareness drop-in service for young people.

The weekly service, based at Efford Youth and Community Centre, which offers sex advice, free chlamydia tests as well as emergency contraceptives,

has been accredited with the You're Welcome quality mark.

You're Welcome is a Department of Health initiative to promote and develop 'young people friendly' health services.

Shannon Peters, aged 18, from Efford, said: "I've been to the centre loads of times. I get condoms for my friends and one of my mates went along and got advice all about the contraceptive (implant).

"It's brilliant and the staff are so friendly and supportive that I know I'd go to them if I suddenly got pregnant."

She said that they'd influenced her so much that she had decided to study health and development to become a youth worker herself.

Claire King, regional You're Welcome Co-ordinator for the Department of Health South West, who visited the centre, said: "The commitment and enthusiasm demonstrated by staff at the centre and also those involved from NHS Plymouth is to be commended.

"The dedication of the centre in ensuring the views and opinions of young people were sought and acted upon was particularly impressive."

One 14-year-old told The Herald that she had taken part in a project with a 'virtual baby'.

She said: "It taught me a lot about being a parent. I found out that being a parent is not as easy as you think."

Teenagers are invited to drop in on Friday evenings to speak to Angie Wake, contraceptive nurse, and Kerry McCabe, youth worker.

Angie said that they also offered advice and support on gay and lesbian issues and contraceptive methods.

She reiterated that while the centre was open to anyone and had full disabled access, they encouraged young people to talk to their parents and guardians about sexual issues.