Abuse | Bullying | Family | Lesbian, gay & bisexual | Racism
Welcome to our page about relationships.
For some people relationships are fine and cause no problems. For others they can create a lot of worry and distress. As you grow up it is natural for your relationships with parents, brothers and sisters and friends change. In adolescence, relationships and emotions can be very strong. This is the time when you start to find out about being emotionally close to people outside your own family.
Abuse
Someone may be doing or has done something to you that you think is wrong or they may be saying or doing something or getting you to do something that makes you feel uncomfortable, mixed up or upset. It could be that you are being abused, emotionally, sexually or physically. There are people who can help.
Childline Helpline 0800 11 11 www.childline.org.uk
National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children Helpline 0800 500 800 www.nspcc.org.uk
Bullying
Teasing, name calling, racial harassment, physical hurting and exclusion are all bullying.
If you are being bullied there is help at hand - you don’t have to sort it out on your own. Talk to someone who can do something about it or call:
www.bullying.co.uk www.dfes.gov.uk/bullying
www.kidscape.org.uk www.bullywatch.org
The Anti Bullying Campaign 020 7378 1446
Family
Parents/Carers
May sometimes be over-protective but they know you really well. Don’t hide things from them: they can always tell! Talk to them: you’ll be surprised how supportive they are!
Don't walk away from a disagreement: talk it through and try to move on.
If you have problems with your parents, get help from a close adult friend or your Connexions Personal Adviser.
Divorced Parents
Whatever their reason for splitting up, it's NOT your fault. Listen to both of them to understand how they feel. You may find that it’s best to accept their marriage was not happy and they’re better apart.
Step Parents
If your Mum or Dad remarries, you'll have a new 'parent' and maybe new 'brothers and sisters'.
This change is huge for everyone and you'll all feel nervous, confused, maybe angry. Talk openly about how you feel and listen to them. Give it time to settle and keep talking. Ask a family friend or relative to help.
For advice and help about relationships, speak to your Connexions Personal Adviser or contact:
Childline 0800 11 11
www.childline.org.uk
Parent Line Plus 0808 800 2222
www.parentlineplus.org.uk
If you are young carer you can find information at www.youngcarers.net
Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual
Lesbian women and gay men are sexually attracted to people of the same sex. Bisexuals are attracted to people of either sex. How you feel about your sexuality can be very confusing to understand. "Coming out" and letting people know that you are lesbian or gay can be very difficult and it may be hard to cope with some people's reaction to how you feel. If you need to talk to someone, support is available if you are, or think you might be, lesbian, gay or bisexual.
Bristol Lesbian and Gay Switchboard 0117 922 1328
EACH - Homophobic Bullying Helpline 0808 1000 143
Freedom - Lesbian & Gay Youth Organisation 0117 955 3355
Racism
Britain is a multi-cultured community and ethnic diversity is a strength that contributes to and benefits our society, enriching our lives. Unfortunately, some people have a willingness not to accept those of a race or culture that is different to their own. Racial discrimination is against the law and no one should have to suffer racial harrassment.
To find out more about race, racism and life www.britkid.org
If you or someone you know has been a victim of racial harrasement you can get help and advice from the Racial Equality Council
- Racial Equality Council - Bath 01225 442352
- Racial Equality Council - Bristol 0117 929 7829
Information is also available from the Commission for Racial Equality www.cre.gov.uk
Look at our Contacts section and our 1 Big Database for lots of useful organisations, links and telephone numbers on a whole range of issues that affect young people. |
