Shine young people services

Shine offers dedicated support for young people aged 21 and under.

Appointments are discreet, confidential and completely free. You can just walk-in and wait, so there is no need to book an appointment in advance if you don't want to. We are open after school and colleges so that you can access the support you need at a convenient time.

Our Shine clinic offers:  

  • Advice and information
  • Hormonal contraception - pills, patches, contraceptive injections, IUS’ (coil), implants and vaginal rings
  • Emergency contraception (the morning after pill – taken up to 5 days [or 120 hours] since you last had unprotected sex)
  • Screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Condoms and c-cards (condom cards)
  • Support to access other services, such as abortion services if necessary.

Shine also provide programmes on relationships and sex education to young people living or studying in Newham. We accept self-referrals as well as requests from professionals.

Shine educational programmes can include sessions such as:

  • Sex and the risks – STIs, pregnancy and contraception
  • Healthy relationships
  • Recognising abuse in relationships
  • Sex and the law
  • Building self esteem
  • Assertiveness and saying no.
Our clinic

Our clinic

Shine services are available in our West Ham Lane Health Centre.

Check out our address and opening time

What to expect

  • A receptionist will ask you to complete a form and take a seat. You do not need to say what you have come for at reception
  • You will see an outreach worker, a nurse, or maybe both depending on what you have come in for
  • You will be seen alone. Partners, friends, family members and support workers will be asked to take a seat in the waiting area
  • If you need to be tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) this usually involves you taking a vaginal, anal (bum) or mouth swab yourself in a private space. For a full screen, which includes HIV, we also take blood from your arm.

Keeping things private: All our consultations are confidential. We will only share information about you if we think you are at risk. If information is shared, it is with services that can help. We never pass information onto parents.

If you speak very little English: We use a service called Language Line to interpret. Friends and family members will not be allowed to interpret for you.

Refer to us

Most young people do not require a referral to access clinical services. They can just turn up at a Shine clinic in their own time. However, some young people may require additional support and education, which is available on request.

Shine can provide:

Targeted education and support

  • Programmes of  relationships and sex education (RSE) for identified groups or individuals, including young people with SEND
  • Support for young people to access clinical services, where there are barriers or there are significant risks

Mainstream education and service promotion

  • Promotional stalls which can provide service information, condoms, c-cards, STI screening and advice
  • Delivery of in-class educational sessions during national events, such as child sexual exploitation day and sexual health week
  • Assemblies promoting local sexual health services

Training for professionals

  • In-house training for professionals on a range of sexual health themes
  • Making Sexual Health Matter Training for professionals – offered throughout the year.

Programmes of relationships and sex education (RSE) are offered to young people living or studying in Newham, that are identified as vulnerable or at risk of unhealthy sexual experiences or relationships. On receiving a referral, shine outreach workers assess whether it meets the criteria for delivery. The outreach worker will then agree with the referrer and young person where the sessions will take place. This could be at school or another venue, such as a clinical space or a youth centre.

Programmes are tailored depending on the young person’s needs, reason for referral, ability and age. Typically the length of a programme can vary from 3 – 6 sessions, more if necessary. One off sessions can also be arranged.

Any professional can request services from Shine on behalf of a young person (with their consent). Please complete the Shine Referral Form [docx] 200KB or email us for more information.

To discuss a request please email us

Educational programmes

Education can be delivered to individuals or groups in a clinical space, at school or college and sometimes other community settings. Sessions are designed to suit the person or group attending. This way participants experience education that is relevant and meaningful to them. Programmes can last just a few sessions or can be longer, depending on needs. Participants can opt-out whenever they like.

Young people can request sessions by emailing us or you can ask a professional, such as a teacher, youth worker, social worker or counsellor to refer on their behalf.