Note: Information in the Survival Guide is suitable for young people aged 13-25 living in Oxfordshire, in the United Kingdom

Where is it?

Q: How do I find my local Young People's Centre?

You can find your local youth centre using this map showing locations of Youth Centres, Young People's Centres and other services for young people in Oxfordshire.

Q: How do I find my local Connexions Centre?

You can find out where your local Connexions Centre by using this map showing locations of Connexions Centres, Connexions access points and other Connexions Services for young people in Oxfordshire.

Common questions

Q: I'm scared I might be pregnant, what can I do?

If it's been less than 72 hours since you had sex, you can take Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC). Find out where you can get EHC for free. If you're worried because you've missed a period, it's too late for EHC, but you still have lots of options. It's key that you talk to someone you can trust as soon as possible, though. Get helpline numbers and find out about your choices.

Q: I want to find out about local training opportunities, apprenticeships and placements, can I do that?

The Opportunities Page in the Connexions section links to lists of apprenticeships, job vacancies for young people and other opportunities, including voluntary placements in Oxfordshire. These lists are updated weekly.

Q: How much alcohol is safe to drink? Should I worry about my drinking?

The government issues guidelines for safe drinking for adults, but these may not be safe for young people (they're not even safe for all adults -- some people can't drink at all without getting ill). Find out more about alcohol and safer drinking.

Q: I'm worried about my/my friend's drug use, is there anyone who can help?

Yes, there are lots of organisations and helplines that can provide support to young people who have problems with drug use. A good first step is to call FRANK, the drugs helpline. Closer to home, you can get help from local services like the T2 Drugs Service.

These questions answer the five most common concerns that bring young people to www.spired.com.

The Survival Guide

Q: How do I get hold of a copy of the Young People's Survival Guide for Oxfordshire?

The Young People's Survival Guide is given out free to all students at school in the autumn term of Year 11. If you're having problems getting hold of a copy, try your local Connexions Centre or Young People's Centre.

Q: Who produces the Survival Guide?

The Supporting Choices team in Oxfordshire Integrated Youth Support Service produces the Survival Guide, with the help and input of local young people.

Q: I've spotted an error, can I get it corrected?

Yes, you can. Please email details of the error, including a link to the page where you found it. We can correct the online version right away, the book is updated every summer.

Q: I'd like to be involved in making next year's Survival Guide, is that possible?

If you're a young person living in Oxfordshire, and you'd like to be involved in contributing artwork, stories, photos or any other material to the Survival Guide, please get in touch. You will be credited for your contribution, and the work you do will be accredited.

Getting face to face help

Q: I want to talk to somebody about something, is that possible?

Yes. If you go to your local Youth Centre (find it here), you can get information and leaflets from trained youth workers. If you are at school, many schools in Oxfordshire run Bodyzone sessions, where you can talk to trained workers about any aspect of emotional and physical health. You can also talk to advisers at your local Connexions Centre. If you are worried about a specific issue, you can find lists of local contacts, helplines and more on its page in the Guide.

Not from Oxfordshire

Q: I don't live in Oxfordshire, where can I find information suitable for me?

Your local council, Youth Support Service or Connexions Service may have a youth website of their own. Try going to your local Council website and looking for links to services for young people. There is also a national Connexions website ( www.connexions-direct.com ) and a national youth information website ( www.youthinformation.com ). Spired.com also recommends the Site ( www.thesite.org ). Please note that Spired.com is not responsible for the contents of other websites.

Visitors from outside the United Kingdom should visit their national or local government or community sites and look for links to web resources for youth or young people.