agency list

Town centre location.  The Team is on the main bus route and can be located on the ground floor opposite the old Post Office (sorting office)

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• Yes, mainly directed towards young people leaving care, but also able to offer advice, guidance and support to 16-17 year olds who have not been ‘looked after’.

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Yes - we have a duty worker every day therefore a young person can just turn up.

What services are provided?

• Aftercare service for care leavers
• Advice and support for homeless 16 and 17 year old young people

What services are NOT provided?

• Adult services – young people 18 or above unless they are under the Leaving Care Act

Unity House is situated between the police station and the post office on Stuart Street.  It is within walking distance of the town centre.  There is one entrance situated at the front of the building and there is disabled access.

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• The adoption team provide a range of services about adoption to children, young people and adults whose lives have been touched by adoption.

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• A referral may be made on a young persons behalf with their consent.  This can be by a relative, friend, GP, midwife, schoolteacher, etc.

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Yes they can, but there may not be a specialist adoption social worker available in which case they could either see a duty social worker who would take a referral and pass it on to the adoption team, or the young person could telephone and leave a message either with the adoption service administrator or leave a message on the answer machine.

What services are provided?

• We provide a counselling service to pregnant women of any age who want to consider adoption as an option for their baby
• If young people decide they would like to keep their baby, we will offer advice and guidance about this including where and how they can obtain practical support
• We provide an independent service to birth parents whose children are being placed for adoption
• We recruit, assess, train and support people who want to adopt children
• We place children for adoption and support them and their adoptive parents both before and after adoption
• We provide a service to adopted people who are wanting to find out about their birth families and who possibly want to meet them and we offer support through the process

Additional Information
Many young people who find themselves pregnant are often very unsure what they want to do.  It can come as quite a shock even if they know they have not been taking any precautions to prevent themselves becoming pregnant.  Often, what they want to do is to have the opportunity of talking over their various options before reaching a decision.

Directions to service
Located in the town centre at the back of the Arndale Centre.  There is disabled access.  There are no facilities to cater for young children.

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• Yes, for young people age 9 to 25 years, however there is an adult service called the James Kingham Project.

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Yes, to visit the project and talk to someone.  A one-to-one session needs to be booked in advance or at the time of the visit.

What services are provided?

• One-to-one support / Educational workshops
• Counselling
• Computer skills

What services are NOT provided?

Additional Information

The service is open to all students at Barnfield College.  The office in Guidance and Support is located opposite the main reception.  Please note that there is NO Condom Card Scheme operating on this site.  Please see Barnfield New Bedford Road Campus for C-Card details.

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• No, our clients range from all ages (all students)

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Yes

What services are provided?

• Confidential advice and guidance
• Signposting to professional agencies

What services are NOT provided?

• Counselling
• Condom Card Scheme

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• No, our clients range from all ages (all students)

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Yes

What services are provided?

• Confidential advice and guidance
• Signposting to professional agencies
• Condom Card Scheme Service - Monday., Wednesday and Friday 9.30am to 3.00pm (see Veronica Ebanks or Itrat Hussain)

What services are NOT provided?

• Counselling

First left off Castle Street onto Union Street (Opposite Jaguar Car Centre).

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Our services are available to everyone regardless of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or disability

Is the service specific to young people?

• No, open to all ages

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Appointments preferred though we endeavour to see everyone

What services are provided?

• Offers advice, support and information to those affected by or at risk from HIV/AIDS, also for their families, friends and loved ones
• Support groups
• One to one peer support
• Telephone advice line
• Advocacy
• Drop in area
• Complementary therapies
• Counselling service
• Newsletter

What services are NOT provided?

• HIV and pregnancy testing

Additional Information
Our services are user-led and we believe in the importance of offering choice, opportunity and support to enable individuals living in Bedfordshire to meet the challenge of living in the context of HIV infection.

• Befriending
• Home / hospital visits
• Talks and workshops
• Information service
• Use of internet (by appointment)
• Agency referrals

• BAAF Adoption and Fostering is the leading UK-wide membership organisation promoting the highest standards of child-centred policies and services for children separated from their families of origin. 

The BAAF is a registered charity which :

• Influences policy makers and argues for improvements to legislation
• Helps over 220 children each year to find new homes
• Speaks out on behalf of looked after children
• Supports thousands of professionals
• Supports adoptive parents and foster carers themselves

Directions to service
This service operates via appointments allocated by the Action Line.  Referral by Family Planning Service or GP to the Action Line, which is open 7 days a week.  Alternatively a client can self-refer if they would prefer to pay privately.

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• All age ranges

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes if they wish to pay privately

Is a referral form required?

• Yes, if they wish to receive NHS funding, referral form is accepted from either GP or Family Planning and in these cases a client does not have to pay

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Via telephone using the Action Line only

What services are provided?

• Counselling
• Termination of Pregnancy

What services are NOT provided?

Additional Information

Useful information about the service

• All services are FREE for young people under the age of 25 (including people under age 16)

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• Yes, under 25 years of age only

Opening times

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• You can just turn up to see someone but it's always better to ring first to see if we can help you straight away. 

• Full STI testing
• Pregnancy testing and support
• Referral for abortion
• Support around your sexuality and orientation (identifying as gay, lesbian or bi-sexual)
• Chlamydia testing
• Choice of contraception (helps prevent you getting pregnant)
• Counselling and someone to talk to
• Emergency (after sex) contraception
• Free condoms

What services are NOT provided?

• Anything outside sexual health

HELPLINE ONLY : TEL 0800 585858

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• The service is targeted at males aged 15-35 years, however, anyone can call the service

Opening times

The helpline may be called between 5.00pm and 3.00am 365 days of the year

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Telephone only.  This service is aimed at those not in touch with health services

What services are provided?

• Counselling
• Information
• Referrals

(by telephone only)

What services are NOT provided?

• One-to-one counselling

The aim of Care to Learn is to give financial support to teenage parents (including dads) who want to continue their education or training, or are returning to education or training and need help with the cost of their childcare.  A young parent can receive support with their childcare if they are :

• Aged 16 or over and under 19 years or
• Started a course before they were 19

The funding will be extended to young parents under the age of 16

Opening times - HELPLINE

What services are provided?

• A young person can visit the website and find out :
• Why they should learn?
• What help can they get?
• What can they learn?
• What childcare can they use?
• What have other young parents done?
• Questions answered
• General advice and help

Additional Information
If you a young person is under the age of 16 they should contact the Reintegration Officer.  If a young person is aged 19 or over, they should contact their local college, provider or Learn Direct.

The Child Support Agency is part of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).  To find out more about the Child Support Agency, go to the leaflets section on the website.

The Child Support Agency is responsible for running the child support system.  Our business is to assess, collect and pay child support maintenance, ensuring that parents who live apart meet their financial responsibilities to their children.

Opening times - helpline

Additional Information
On the Child Support Agency Website, you will find :

• How to contact us in your area
• Child maintenance information and application form
• Child maintenance calculator
• Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about child maintenance
• Information on the new legislation, effective March 2003

Other related Websites

• Jobcentre Plus         www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
• New Deal                  www.newdeal.gov.uk
• Worktrain                   www.worktrain.gov.uk

Children’s Centres
Children’s Centres provide early education, integrated with childcare, health and family support services in one place. They build on existing provision, bringing together services into one place, making them easier for families with children to access. This integrated approach by children’s centre will provide holistic support for children’s development, support families with young children and will facilitate the return to work of those parents who are currently unemployed.

There are a number of Children’s Centres across Luton, some in purpose-built centres and some in existing nurseries:

The ARC Nursery                                         Arndale Nursery & Creche
186 Ashcroft Road                                          Unit 35 Arndale Centre
Luton LU2 9AB                                               Luton LU1 2TG
Tel: 01582 402812                                          Tel: 01582 402328/Fax: 01582 405014
Email: Arcnursery@fsmail.net                       Email: Rashema.arndale@btconnect.com
Contact: Jay Parmar                                      Contact: Pam Swain
Open Mon-Fri (8am-6pm)                              Open Mon-Fri (8am-6pm) Sat (9am-4.30pm)
Open 50 weeks of the year                            Open all year apart from 3 days at Christmas

Beech Hill Children’s Centre                       Chapel Street Nursery School
Beech Hill Community Primary School         Russell Street
Dunstable Road                                              Luton
Luton LU4 8BW                                              LU1 5EA
Tel: 01582 728898                                          Tel: 01582 413552/Fax: 01582 540428
Contact: Shazia Latif                                      Contact: Sarah Cain
Open 48 weeks of the year

Chaul End Children’s Centre                      Dallow Community Nursery
515 Dunstable Road                                       Dallow School Site
Luton                                                               Dallow Road
LU4 8GN                                                         Luton LU1 1LZ
Tel: 01582 557148                                          Tel: 01582 616622
Contact: Shagufta Anwar                               Contact: Michelle McLaughlin           
Open Mon-Fri (8am-6pm)                              Open Mon-Fri (8am-6pm)
Open 48 weeks of the year                            Open all year apart from 3 days at Christmas

Denbigh Pre-School                                     Greenside Children’s Centre
Denbigh Infants School Site                           Culverhouse Road
Denbigh Road                                                 Luton
Luton LU3 1NS                                               LU3 1PZ
Tel: 01582 562968/Fax: 01582 561599          Tel: 01582 594632/Fax: 01582 594632
Email: Denbigh.infants.head@luton.gov.uk              
Contact: Ansar Hussain                                  Contact: Beverley Thompson
Open Mon-Fri (8am-6pm)                              Open Mon-Fri (8am-6pm)
Open 48 weeks of the year                            Open 48 weeks of the year

Leo Cubs                                                       Lewsey Children’s Centre
213a-217a Dunstable Road                            Tomlinson Avenue
Luton LU4 8BN                                               Lewsey Farm
Tel: 01582 453643                                          Luton LU4 0QP
Email: leocubs2003@yahoo.co.uk                 Tel: 01582 603785/Fax: 01582 602396
Contact: Nasreen Ashraf                                Email: Lewseychildren@tiscali.co.uk
Open Mon-Fri (8am-6pm)                              Contact: Gill Davidson
Sat (10am-4pm) &                                Open Mon-Fri (8am – 6pm)
Sun (10am-4pm)                                  Open 51 weeks of the year
Open 52 weeks of the year

Marsh Farm Children’s Centre
Redgrave Gardens
Luton LU3 3QN
Tel: 01582 556683
Contact: Sara Vobe
Open Mon-Fri (9am-5pm)
Open 52 weeks of the year

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Services are confidential
• Many services are free
• High quality, affordable day-care is available at each centre. In most circumstances funding is available to cover costs of day-care

Is the service specific to young people?

• Service is for all families with young children

Opening times
See agency details above

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Yes, for drop-in services
• Day-care needs to be arranged in advance

What services are provided?
All Children’s Centres offer:

• Jobcentre Plus Adviser
• Full day-care
• Referral to health services
• Close links with Children’s Information Service
• Nursery Education Grant for children aged 3-5
• Links with National Childminding Association
• Parent & toddler sessions

Some centres offer:

• Occasional care
• Baby clinics
• Some health services
• Toy library / equipment hire
• Children’s birthday parties
• Parenting classes
• After-school & breakfast clubs for children aged 5-7
• Internet café
• Health services including contraceptive advice
• Fruit and vegetable bags for £1 per bag
• Post natal support including post natal depression

What services are NOT provided?

• Overnight or weekend care but children’s centres do provide links to childminders who may be able to offer this service

Additional Information
All centres offer high quality, affordable day-care from professional staff. The centres offer a welcoming, stimulating environment for both children and their families. The range of services do vary from centre to centre to reflect the needs of the community. Please ring on numbers listed above for more information.

• The ChildcareLink Service consists of a website, a national information line and detailed local Children’s Information Services.  ChildcareLink is able to provide you with a list of registered childcare in your area as well as information on paying for childcare.

Opening times

• The Children’s Information Service provides face-to-face or phone advice on all aspects of childcare
• The website provides information about the different types of childcare and early education in your local area, helping you make the right choice for the whole family

From the Old Bedford Road follow signs to Luton Museum.  The Early Years offices are on the left hand side before the archway as you go towards the cricket ground.  Most clients access the service via the telephone helpline 8.45am to 5.15pm (4.30pm Fridays).

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• No, we provide information advice and guidance about childcare, early education, working in childcare, help towards the cost of childcare to parents/carers and professionals who work with them.

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Yes, but if they want specialist in-depth face-to-face advice it is best to check if someone is available first.

What services are provided?

• Childminder lists
• Parent and toddler lists
• Pre-School playgroup lists
• Nursery school lists
• Schools with Early Years (4+) units
• Holiday playscheme lists
• Before/After school club lists
• Information leaflets on Childcare and Early Education
• Help towards the cost of childcare

Directions to service
CHUMS offers bereavement support to children and young people including individual support, workshops, reunions and specialist days for families bereaved through suicide and the death of a child. Teaching and training is offered to any professionals who work with children. We meet the children at a convenient location which is usually at their home.

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• Yes, but also includes children up to the age of 18

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Please telephone or e-mail first

What services are provided?

• Individual support
• Workshops for children, young people and parents
• Reunions
• Remembrance service
• Specialist days for suicide and death of a child
• Teaching and training

What services are NOT provided?

Get advice online now from: www.adviceguide.org.uk

Every Citizens Advice Bureau is a registered charity reliant on trained volunteers and funds to provide vital services for local communities. The advice provided by trained volunteers is free, impartial, independent and confidential.

There are centres across the U.K.  For your nearest centre and further details please see the website and choose the link ‘Find your local CAB’

Useful information about the service

• The nearest CAB Centre for Luton/Bedfordshire is:

Luton Citizens Advice Bureau
24-26 King Street
Luton
LU1 2DP        
Tel: 01582 731616                                          Administration: 01582 486632
Fax: 01582 487705    

King Street is located off George Street, opposite the McDonalds. There is wheelchair access to the bureau and wheelchair access to interview rooms

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• No, it is available to everyone

Drop-In Advice Times - Appointments only and emergency drop-in for people living and  
working in Luton

Telephone advice times are Mon-Fri, 09.30-12.00 & 13.00-15.30

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Yes, can turn up in an emergency or telephone

What services are provided?

• Volunteers provide solutions to money, legal, employment and housing problems.
• Provide benefits advice
• Provide consumer advice
• Interview clients face-to-face and by telephone
• Access regularly updated electronic information database for up to the minute information
• Help with form filling
• Write letters on behalf of clients
• Help clients to appeal against decisions, e.g. social security benefit claims
• Representation of clients in court or at tribunals
• Referral to other agencies where appropriate

Additional Information
CAB advice can be provided in community venues such as GP surgeries and in courts, prisons, schools and leisure centres. Majority of the bureau provide home visits while some provide email advice.
CAB advice can also be accessed online including frequently asked questions in English, Welsh, Chinese, Gujarati, Punjabi and Urdu with factsheets to download.
A CAB Handbook published by Penguin also provides CAB information.

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• Yes

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Yes, the young person will be given signposting advice over the telephone if the are calling our Nightingale House offices (01582 708343) and they can turn up whenever the clinic or other venues are open.

What services are provided?

• Confidential sexual health advice
• Free condoms at registered sites only

What services are NOT provided?

• Condoms are NOT provided from the Nightingale House offices

The service is situated off Adelaide Street, parallel to Buxton Road and behind the Magistrate's Court on Stuart Street - a map is available from the above telephone number.

Full wheelchair / pushchair access is situated at the rear of the building.

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Confidential - Yes
• Sliding-scale of payment is operated

Is the service specific to young people?

• No, over 18 years of age only

Opening times â€Ã¢â‚¬Å“ RECEPTION  24hr answering service at all other times

APPOINTMENTS MUST BE MADE FOR COUNSELLING WEEKDAYS & EVENINGS

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• People aged 18+ can telephone for details of how to apply for the service

What services are provided?

• Counselling

What services are NOT provided?

• Advice

We are near to the ASDA Supermarket in Dunstable, the Dunstable Leisure Centre and Go Bowling complex.  We have lift access to all floors and signs clearly direct you to the main reception.  The Student Services Desk and department are located on the first floor at the top of the spiral stairway by the main reception.

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• More details regarding who is eligible can be obtained from the Student Services Department.

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Yes but if staff are unavailable then an appointment can be made.

What services are provided?

• Career support and guidance
• Support with issues such as homelessness, relationships, etc.
• Skills for life-learning support, basic skills, key skills, etc.
• Financial support from Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and Adult Learning Grant (ALG) to childcare.  This depends on the income status of the student and the type of course they are on.
• Support to complete application forms
• Connexions advisers who also provide additional specialist support

• Education for Choice is the only UK-based organisation dedicated to enabling young people to make informed choices about pregnancy and abortion.

The EFC website

• Aims to provide young people, parents and professionals with accurate and impartial information on pregnancy choices and abortion. 
• Includes tools for decision-making, good practice guidance and a range of factsheets for young people on all aspects of abortion.
• Aims to provide a comprehensive resource on abortion, with a focus on young people’s informed choice.
• Works directly with young people and provides training and resources for health and education professionals who work with young children.

The premises is situated on the ground floor level in a block of maisonettes.  The premises also has wheelchair / pushchair access and can be found using the number 27 and number 10 bus routes from Luton town centre.  The nearest landmark is the Purley Centre.

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Depends on the service required

Is the service specific to young people?

• No, all age ranges

Opening times

EVENING APPOINTMENTS ARE AVAILABLE WHERE NEGOTIATED

Can a young person self-refer?

• No

Is a referral form required?

• Yes from other agencies

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Clients are asked to telephone first

What services are provided?

• Life skills coaching
• Pre-birth workshops
• Mental health advocacy for African/Caribbean
• Parenting skills

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• No. The service is provided to parents, carers and families with young children aged 0-11 years in 29 Luton schools

Opening times

• Family support & activities for parents/carers and children are available in the family rooms at varying times & days during term time in these schools that have a Family Worker in post

Please telephone for details of schools providing Family Worker services

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Yes – Probably best to telephone Family Worker first to find out what is going on in their school

Directions to service

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

•          It is free not necessary confidential as children can only be accommodated with their parents agreement or if a court order is granted.

 Is the service specific to young people?

•          yes

 Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

•          yes

Is a referral form required?

•          yes

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

•          Yes but they would need to talk to a Social Worker from the initial assessment team to establish id accommodation is needed.

What services are provided?

•       We provide foster placements for children who cannot live at home for various reasons.

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• No

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Telephone helpline only

What services are provided?

• Counselling
• Information and Advice
• Support
• Detox
• Rehab
• Drug Testing
• Education & Training
• Hepatitis
• Needle Exchange
• Prescribing
• Women
• Young People
• Ethnic Minorities
• Homeless
• Drugs
• Alcohol
• Solvents

At the front of the Luton & Dunstable Hospital. Has its own entrance and is well signposted.

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• No, but some clinics

Opening times

Clinics: Open or available by appointment for young persons only, females only and males only. Please telephone as subject to change

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Yes

What services are provided?

• Diagnosis and treatment of all STI’s
• HIV Testing
• Emergency Contraception
• Family Planning
• Hepatitis B Screening and Vaccination
• Sexual Health Education, Advice and Information
• University Satellite Service
• Free Condoms

The service is open during consultation times only. Appointments can be made by telephoning the above telephone number during the reception office hours listed below.

Reception opening times

Directions to service
Not a drop-in centre.  Telephone to speak to Nurse / Admin or e-mail.

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Opening times

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• No â€Ã¢â‚¬Å“ young person or professionals can contact by telephone, e mail or fax

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Can telephone or e-mail but not a drop-in service

What services are provided?

• Specifically for children in care
• Health Assessments offered annually to all Looked After Children/Young People
• Advice on general health issues including accessing GP and dentist
• Sexual Health
• Substance use, alcohol and smoking
• Healthy eating and diet
• General health advice for pregnant teenagers
• Referral to other services ad appropriate
• Access to Paediatrician for advice / assessment as provided
• Health Assessment team may home visit

What services are NOT provided?

Customer Services Centre,  Town Hall, Upper George Street

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• No, all age ranges

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• Only where other service providers are involved

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Yes.

What services are provided?

• All housing related matters
• Homeless prevention
• Housing advice
• Registering on Council’s waiting lists
• Referral to other agencies
• Allocations
• Harassment and illegal eviction
• Landlords and agents operation locally
• Possession proceedings advice to landlords, tenants and owner occupiers
• Consequences of relationship breakdown
• Rent/Tenancy Deposit Scheme
• Rent or mortgage arrears and other debt issues which lead to homelessness
• Housing conditions, grants and repairs

What services are NOT provided

• Accommodation

Directions to service
The service is situated within the Customer Service Centre at the Town Hall, Upper George Street, Luton

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• All age ranges

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Yes

What services are provided?

• Homeless prevention
• Housing advice
• Registering on the Council’s waiting list
• Referral to other agencies
• Tenancy relations

What services are NOT provided?

• Furniture

Additional Information

The Children and Families Division is part of the Housing and Social Services Department of Luton Borough Council.  We are here to provide support to children, young people and families in need.  Most families have problems from time to time, but if you are finding things particularly difficult, there may be ways we can help you.

We are located in a building next door to the Luton Police Station, on the corner of Cardiff Road, near the traffic lights.  The building is on the opposite side of the road to the Herald and Post and Stuart House.  The main entrance is on Stuart Street.

The building is easily accessible for disabled people and people with pushchairs.  There is only one entrance  which is on Stuart Street.

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes (however this is dependant on the age of the young person and their circumstances)

Is the service specific to young people?

• The service is for children and families

Opening times

N.B. THE TEAM IS CLOSED DURING LUNCH HOURS FROM 12.00NOON TO 2.00PM EVERY DAY

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• Yes

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Yes, either telephone or turn up although we encourage service users to call the Department first on the telephone if possible.

What services are provided?

• Response to enquiries on general or specific matters
• Information about the functions of the Social Services Department
• Inform of an alternative source of help
• Involve parents, relatives and other carers, and the child or young person, to find the best solution when help is needed
• Take into account the racial, religious and social background of the child or young person and their family
• Work closely with other organisations to ensure that children, young people and families get help they need

What services are NOT provided?

• If the Social Services Department is unable to assist in any enquiry made, we will endeavour to direct people to the correct agency with relevant contact details

Directions to service
Located next door to Cresta House, opposite the Whitehouse Public House.  Young mums with pushchairs can use the ramp at the back entrance (ring the doorbell to gain entry)

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• Yes, 13-19 year olds

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Yes

What services are provided?

• Confidential advice and guidance from a personal adviser on any issues a young person might have
• Referral to other specialist agencies related to housing, substance misuse, E2E

What services are NOT provided?

Additional Information

Some work is carried out on location with the rest of the work carried out at our town centre venue of Youth Café and arts Centre situated on Upper George Street, opposite the Town Hall, number 3a.  We have two doors, a café entrance through the archway to the right of an internet café.  Access to upstairs from here would be via a low-sloped flight of stairs designed for disabled access.

Our main entrance is to the left of the internet café, with a buzzer to the main office.  Entrance to this door is followed by a flight of conventional stairs.

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• There is usually a nominal fee of £10.00 per course which is often paid by the person or organisation referring you.

Is the service specific to young people?

• Yes, for young people aged 11 to 19

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes (with parental permission if under 16)

Is a referral form required?

• Yes, any agency can refer on behalf of a young person

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Clients are asked to telephone or be referred before appointments can be made or courses can be booked

What services are provided?

• Therapeutic Team courses:
• ADHD
• Anger and Conflict Management
• Family Life
• Looked After Children
• Self-Harm
• Self-Worth
• Sex and relationships
• Café (drop in centre for young people)

What services are NOT provided?

• Contraceptive advice, contraception, crèche

Additional Information
We do informally offer relational advice and much more of our therapeutic work is centred around communication and interpersonal relationships.  We are from time to time asked to do certain lessons in schools, on ethical issues relating to SRE work.  We also serve as a signpost to other organisations dealing more specifically with these issues.

There will also be an opportunity for young people identified as ‘at risk’ of becoming teen parents or who have self referred to join a psychotherapeutic group looking deeper at self worth and sex as well as broaching communication skills, confidence and valuing self.

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Free legal advice by telephone

Is the service specific to young people?

• No, applies to all age ranges

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes, by telephone

Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Young person can telephone for advice or to book an appointment

What services are provided?

• Free legal advice by telephone
• Casework in housing, employment, welfare rights, discrimination, immigration
• Consultation and training also provided for other organisations

What services are NOT provided?

• Advice can be obtained on specific days on specific issues
• Mondays, Welfare Benefits
• Tuesdays, Housing and Welfare Benefits
• Thursdays, Employment and Discrimination
• Fridays, Immigration and Welfare Benefits

Additional Information
Staff also speak a range of community languages

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Free legal advice by telephone

Is the service specific to young people?

• No, applies to all age ranges

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes, by telephone

Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Young person can telephone for advice or to book an appointment

What services are provided?

• Free legal advice by telephone
• Casework in housing, employment, welfare rights, discrimination, immigration
• Consultation and training also provided for other organisations

What services are NOT provided?

• Advice can be obtained on specific days on specific issues
• Mondays, Welfare Benefits
• Tuesdays, Housing and Welfare Benefits
• Thursdays, Employment and Discrimination
• Fridays, Immigration and Welfare Benefits

Additional Information
Staff also speak a range of community languages

Please note that Life is a pro-life organisation.  Whilst it is recognised that Life and other organisations that are opposed to abortion can offer valuable support to young women who decide to continue with a pregnancy, one of the key principles of the National Teenage Pregnancy Strategy is that young people facing an unplanned pregnancy should have access to non-judgmental information and advice to help them make their own informed choice of their options.

Directions to service
Clients are asked to contact the above helpline first or telephone the freephone hotline which is 0800 915 4600

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• All age ranges

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

•  No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Clients are asked to telephone first

What services are provided?

• Relationship counselling for young people
• Crisis pregnancy counselling
• Post abortion counselling
• Loss counselling, e.g. where a baby is taken into care
• Fertility awareness
• Baby clothes / equipment
• Referral to Life Housing

What services are NOT provided?

Additional Information

Directions to service
Telephone service only, however, will come to all bases in Luton and near town centre.  All bases have disabled access and can be accessed using public transport.

Bases = health centres or GP practices.  Information on where to meet would be given to client on receiving a referral.

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Confidential – yes – fees are negotiable

Is the service specific to young people?

• No, all age ranges

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• They can telephone and if I am unavailable a message can be left and I will call back.  Calls are picked up daily and spaces in my diary are left free for urgent referrals or appointments

What services are provided?

• Counselling and life coaching for clients
• Supervision for qualified and student counsellors
• One-to-one counselling

What services are NOT provided?

Additional Information

E Mail         michelle.bunyan@luton-pct.nhs.uk    

Directions to service

This service is not a drop-in service.  Please contact Michele on the above telephone number to arrange an appointment.

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

•           Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

•           Yes

Opening times

DAY

AM

PM

Monday

 9.00

 5.00

Tuesday

 9.00

 5.00

Wednesday

 9.00

 5.00

Thursday

 9.00

 5.00

Friday

 9.00

 5.00

Saturday

 X

 X

Sunday

 X

 X

Can a young person self-refer?

•           Yes

Is a referral form required?

•           No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

•           Please telephone above number for appointment

What services are provided?

• 1:1

• Training and support to staff from a range of health and non-health

organisations

• Provide advice to professionals working with children and young

people on sexual exploitation and vulnerability 

What services are NOT provided?

•          Not a drop in service - by appointment only

Additional Information

•  This is an outreach service and Michele is happy to travel to appointments.

Directions to service
The service can be reached by the number 9 and 24 bus services from the town centre.  There is no number on the door.  The centre is two adjoining houses used as one.  It is the first house on the corner of Parys Road, opposite Icknield School.

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• Yes, ages 11-16.  We also work with young people and their families

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

• No

Is a referral form required?

• Yes, all referrals come from the Social Services Department at Unity House, 111 Stuart Street, Luton, Beds, LU1 5NP

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Yes, but for advice only.  Usually people are referred to the service (as above)

What services are provided?

• We are a community-based resource centre working with 11 to 16 year olds and their families to prevent family breakdown.  Our work consists of:
• Parenting issues
• Boundary Setting
• Preventative and child protection issues
• Adolescent issues

What services are NOT provided?

• Our service is not directly open to the public.  Our work covers a wide range of services.  If, in the event that we are unable to assist a young person, we would endeavour to refer him/her to another agency for assistance.

Additional Information

Directions to service
This service is not an 'on foot' service and a person would need to be referred by their school, a midwife or Connexions service.

The service would visit the school or home of the person and meet with the pregnant teenager, or visit following the birth of their baby.

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• Yes

Opening times - BY TELEPHONE ONLY BETWEEN THE HOURS BELOW

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes (using the above telephone number)

Is a referral form required?

• No but a referral form is preferable

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Telephone only

What services are provided?

• Work with young women (pregnant or with a baby) of compulsory school age (year 11 or under) to help them continue with their education
• Ensuring education is accessed before and after the birth of a baby
• Providing support to remove inhibiting factors, i.e. child care, transport, to receive education
• General support and advocacy

What services are NOT provided?

• Would try to assist with all problems, but can often signpost to other relevant agencies

Additional Information

Wheelchair access is available

Directions to service

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• No, all age ranges

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Yes or e-mail

What services are provided?

• Emotional support
• Confidential listening service

What services are NOT provided?

• We will not impose our own views or give advice

• The service is not a drop-in service.  Appointments may be made using the telephone number above.

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• If issues are raised on a one-to-one basis with Shahin, these issues are treated confidentially unless disclosure is necessary

Is the service specific to young people?

• Yes - primarily aimed at staff or adults working with young people, e.g. Youth Service,  Connexions, Education, Youth Offending Team, School Nurses, etc.

Opening times

• Yes

•  No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• n/a

What services are provided?
Sexual Health sessions to young people and staff/carers, covering:

• Sexual transmitted infections, HIV and AIDS
• Chlamydia screening
• Contraception
• Registration onto Condom Card Scheme
• Options in pregnancy
• Alcohol and sexual health services
• Sex and the law
• Female Genital Mutilation training

Provision of resources including:

• Leaflets
• Posters
• Pens
• Key Rings
• Summer travel packs
• Text Messaging service
• Displays
• Sexual Health Improvement and promotional support
• Outreach for Chlamydia screening
• Support for organisations in developing sexual health services

What services are NOT provided?

• Face-to-face work with young people (now provided by Sarah Foster, and Michele Bunyan, Luton PCT, Nightingale House, Inkerman Street, address above)

Additional Information

Directions to service
Located along the Dunstable Road from Luton town centre just through Bury Park.

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes, however residents pay a contribution towards food and utilities

Is the service specific to young people?

• Age range is 16 to 65 years

Opening times
OPENING TIMES 24 HOURS PER DAY FOR CURRENT RESIDENTS – FOR TELEPHONE QUERIES PLEASE SEE BELOW

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• This can be completed at interview

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Please telephone first.  It is unlikely that a vacancy may be found if people turn up with no prior appointment

What services are provided?

• Support and accommodation to residents to aid move-on to independent living
• Referrals to other agencies, accessing courses, benefits, etc.

What services are NOT provided?

• Accommodation for families – this service assists in finding accommodation purely for single homeless people

Additional Information
This service does not specifically provide any direct services for pregnant teenagers, however we will do our best to refer you to a suitable agency to help you.  We can assist pregnant teenagers but only on a short-term basis while more suitable accommodation can be found for you.

Directions to service
Not an ‘on foot’ service – consultations are by appointment only, however, the service is flexible and clinics can be held in various locations.

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• No, all age ranges

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Appointments can be made by telephone only

What services are provided?

• Specialist advice and support to those people wanting to stop smoking

What services are NOT provided?

Additional Information

Directions to service
Redgrave Gardens is the first left turn off Northwell Drive, close to the roundabout after Lea Manor High School.  The building is located at the bottom of the road and is accessible for pushchairs.  Sure Start is for those living on Marsh Farm.

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• No, the service is for all pregnant and new mums and with families with children aged 0-5 years who are living on Marsh Farm

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

                 
Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Yes, either telephone or turn up

What services are provided?

• All aspects of midwifery care
• Family Planning
• Support for those wishing information to stop smoking
• Groups for mums and toddlers
• Support for those suffering ante and post natal depression
• Bump 2 babe classes
• Infant massage
• Infant feeding advice

What services are NOT provided?

Additional Information
Sure Start offers families on Marsh Farm with children aged 0-4 (up to 5th birthday), activities, events, education, health and much more

Pop in to the office a Redgrave Gardens to see what is available.

Tel:   0845 127 0127  

Fax:   07714 064412 

Contact :    Teenage Caseload Midwives    

E Mail            

Directions to service

•     Yes      

• Yes 

 Opening times

• Yes   

• No          

• Yes, however it is preferable to telephone first.  If someone just turns up they may have to wait or be asked to make an appointment for another time   

• HIV and sexual health counselling / contraception / terminations
• Housing benefits

Directions to service
Any bus travelling to the town centre of Luton.  The service is a shop-front in Chapel Street.  There is disabled access.

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• No, all age ranges

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Yes, turn up as we do not discuss over the phone

What services are provided?

• Minor injuries
• Minor illness
• Emergency Contraception
• Blood Testing
• Advice
• General information and health promotion
• Baby feeding drop-in service available during and after pregnancy every Tuesday between 9.30am and11.00am

What services are NOT provided?

• Repeat prescriptions
• Sick notes
• Family Planning
• Treatment for serious conditions
• Travel vaccinations

Additional Information

Contact :         Mila Prasad

E Mail              Prasadm@luton.gov.uk

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

•  Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

•         Yes

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

•       Yes

Is a referral form required?

•      No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

•          Yes

What services are provided?

•     Sexual Health workshop
•     Walk on in Luton Condom Card Scheme
•    Generation Parentz - Training and different workshops for teenage parents as requested by young people

Additional Information

 From Monday to Friday 9.00am to 3.00pm virtual Classroom (year 10+)

Directions to service
We provide specific sexual health/family planning services for young people, however there is no specific clinic.  Clinics are carried out as part of general surgery clinics.

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• No, for all who need the service

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Yes

What services are provided?

• Emergency Contraception
• Routine Family Planning
• UI & D
• Sexual Health (limited screening and advice)
• Provision of a range of family planning services including implants and IUDs

What services are NOT provided?

• Full sexual infection screening facilities not available

Additional Information

Directions to service
We provide specific sexual health/family planning services for young people, however there is no specific clinic.  Clinics are carried out as part of general surgery clinics.

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• No, for all who need the service

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Yes

What services are provided?

• Emergency Contraception
• Routine Family Planning
• UI & D
• Sexual Health (limited screening and advice)
• Provision of a range of family planning services including implants and IUDs

What services are NOT provided?

• Full sexual infection screening facilities not available

Additional Information

Directions to service
We provide specific sexual health/family planning services for young people, however there is no specific clinic.  Clinics are carried out as part of general surgery clinics.

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• No, for all who need the service

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Yes

What services are provided?

• Emergency Contraception
• Routine Family Planning
• UI & D
• Sexual Health (limited screening and advice)
• Provision of a range of family planning services including implants and IUDs

What services are NOT provided?

• Full sexual infection screening facilities not available

Additional Information

Directions to service
We provide specific sexual health/family planning services for young people, however there is no specific clinic.  Clinics are carried out as part of general surgery clinics.

Is the service free and confidential to young people?

• Yes

Is the service specific to young people?

• No, for all who need the service

Opening times

Can a young person self-refer?

• Yes

Is a referral form required?

• No

Can a young person simply telephone or turn up?

• Yes

What services are provided?

• Emergency Contraception
• Routine Family Planning
• UI & D
• Sexual Health (limited screening and advice)
• Provision of a range of family planning services including implants and IUDs

What services are NOT provided?

• Full sexual infection screening facilities not available

Additional Information