The change from childhood to being an adult is a significant time in everybody's life and has a real impact on wellbeing both during adolescence and beyond into adult life.

This can be a time of great change, emotional uncertainty and even basic things like communication, relationships and emotional health can be affected.  Teens need specific support and guidance to help them during this time as the issues and changes they face are personal to them, sometimes difficult but also shared by many of their friends and peers.

Adolescence

Adolescence is a stage when we change from being a child into an adult.  The changes are physical and mental and therefore the impact on our body is huge.  The main changes happen during puberty and there is no set age when this starts.  Whilst it is commonly associated with teenage years, it can start earlier.

The end of adolescence and the beginning of adulthood varies.  Puberty is all to do with hormone production and is the time when a child's body starts changing into an adult's body.  This causes a number of physical changes such as a deeper voice and facial hair growth in males, development of breasts and more curved and prominent hips in girls.

It's good to know about the changes that come along with puberty before they happen, and it's really important to remember that everybody goes through it.  Find out more:

www.kidshealth.org

Services for Young People

The good news is that there are a number of organisations in Liverpool that work with young people and offer a range of services, support and information.

Merseyside Youth Association (MYA) offers facilities and activities to young people across Merseyside:

0151-702-0700 or 0151-702-0763 (Textphone)  www.mya.org.uk

Connexions is for you if you are 13-19, wanting advice on getting to where you want to be in life. It also provides support up to the age of 25 for young people who have learning difficulties or disabilities.  Contact Connexions:

080 800 13 2 19 or 07766 4 13 2 19 (Textphone)

Connexions and the MYA operate a city centre facility called  'The Door', 3rd Floor, Abney Buildings, 65-67 Hanover Street, Liverpool, L1 3DY


0151 709 5400


Social Networking

Social networking sites all work in a similar way; you create a profile of yourself including as much or as little personal information as you wish and then you network.  Some sites are dedicated to a specific subject are some around groups of friends or other interest groups.  They are easy to access and most are free and hugely popular with young people

You may want to put restrictions on your profile so only certain members can view it. Watch what you say and post.  It's not unusual for potential employers to look up candidates' profiles to get an insight into their private life. You may also get requests to be linked in with old friends, colleagues or new acquaintances you'd rather not be associated with!

Try getting involved in social networking – there are many sites but explore Facebook, My Space, Bebo, Twitter for a start.

Dealing with all the world throws at you!

Young adults have to face a huge amount of issues but it is important that all young people make their own decisions life choices.  Much of the information contained in this guide will help but young people face specific challenges.
 
YouthNet UK are the leading organisation in working with young people and set up one of the best dedicated web based resources that provides a huge range of information to help young people make their own decisions.

www.thesite.org