Wandsworth teenagers can now get free, confidential sex and relationship advice by text straight to their mobile phone. The borough is one of three in London to offer the new NHS-funded txtm8 service, aimed at 13 to 25-year-olds. Experienced advisors respond to questions and give specific tailored answers and advice by text within 30 minutes.

They also direct young people to the relevant local services they may need for support, testing, treatment or further advice. The service guarantees anonymity and is completely confidential.

The council and NHS Wandsworth have a joint commitment to reducing teenage pregnancy levels, and have had a strategy in place since 2001.

Their research has shown that many young girls who become pregnant share a reluctance to talk to strangers about personal issues, and the tendency to believe commonly held myths about contraception and pregnancy.

The number of the new service - 89868 – spells out txtm8 on a normal mobile phone keypad.

The staff are trained by Connexions Direct in all aspects of sexual health, sexuality, teenage pregnancy, contraception and safeguarding.

The service is open from 8am to 2am, 365 days a year. All texts are charged at the price of one standard network rate message.

November 4, 2009