A SEXUAL health drop-in centre for teenagers which opened its doors to ease pressure on a busy clinic is celebrating its first year.

The 507 in Boscombe, which is run by a sexual health advisor and a youth worker, is based at The Cotton Exchange, Christchurch Road, and provides confidential sexual health advice and support for young people aged 13 to 25.

Dorset HealthCare, who run the service, said it opened last September because The Junction, a nurse-led family planning and sexual health clinic based on Holdenhurst Road in Bournemouth ‘has seen a steep rise in appointments.’

Last year between April 2016 and March 2017 The Junction saw a total of 5,345 individuals.

It comes after the Local Government Association (LGA) said sexual health services across the country are reaching a ‘tipping point’ after a sharp increase in visits.

Lynn Vatter, who runs the service every Friday from 3.30pm until 5.30pm with youth worker Ric Staddon, said: “The main benefit of 507 is that young people can literally walk in off the street and have a chat with us in one of our private rooms without booking.

“The Junction can only offer 20 minute appointments, whereas we can provide up to 45 minutes if necessary. We can also give out free emergency contraception and pregnancy testing, and provide chlamydia screening.

“507 runs alongside The Junction, and we can fast track young people into clinics if their sexual needs are more serious.”

Since its launch more than 50 young people have visited 507 for help on a range of topics including relationships, contraception, alcohol and risky sexual behaviour.

Ric has been a youth worker in Dorset for 22 years. He said: “It is great to see that young people feel confident enough to come and see us, and we have been really well received.

“We wanted to provide a sexual health service that enables youngsters to get what they need quickly without waiting, because that can often put them off seeking any support at all. We are also seeing young couples together, which doesn’t usually happen.”

For information go to b-townyouth.co.uk or call 01202 456105.

Further support is available at sexualhealthdorset.org and by calling the Sexual Health and Contraception Health Service appointments line on 0300 303 1948.