Locala’s Role in the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy Group – Tameside & Stockport

Locala is a key partner in the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy Group for Tameside and Stockport, contributing its expertise in sexual health to a multi-agency response aimed at reducing teenage conceptions and supporting young parents.

Recent data highlights a concerning rise in pregnancies among young people under 16 and under 18 in Tameside. Many of these young people have experienced significant vulnerabilities; most were previously known to social care, the majority were not engaged in any formal education provision, and all had accessed support from CAMHS at some point.

About Locala:

Locala is a not-for-profit social enterprise delivering community healthcare services across Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire.
In Tameside, Locala is commissioned and funded by Tameside Council to provide sexual health services in the community. locala.org.uk/services/sexual-health/tameside

Locala Services:

Locala Sexual Health Services are free, confidential, and inclusive.
No GP referral is needed. Information shared during appointments is not added to general medical records unless permission is given, or there are safeguarding concerns.

C-Card Scheme:

Locala facilitates the C-Card scheme, enabling trained outlets (schools, pharmacies, support services) to distribute free sexual health resources.

• Professionals/organisations complete a 3-hour training session to become C-Card distributors.
• Once trained you can issue young people under 24 a purple C-Card on a sperm keyring.
• Cardholders can access free condoms, lubricant, femidoms, dental dams, and pregnancy tests.

Closed-access sites (Tameside College & Whitebridge PRU) distribute materials directly to students. 

Locala hope to expand this model across schools and colleges in Tameside. Recognising that this simple intervention can significantly improve the sexual wellbeing of young people. Professionals interested in becoming C-Card distributors can find the next available training session via the link below. If sessions are fully booked, Locala recommends checking their Eventbrite page regularly, as training is typically offered monthly.

Locala Sexual Health Services Events - 12 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite

Alternatively, remember to check the TSCP training area of the website Training - Tameside Safeguarding Children Partnership

Outreach Referrals:

Locala use an outreach referral form Tameside_Referral_Form__external_agency.docx

Completed referral forms can be emailed to lcp.tamesideoutreach@locala-cic.nhs.uk
 This inbox is actively monitored, and referrals are picked up promptly.

Locala’s outreach team offers flexible, community-based sexual health support across Tameside. Clients of any age can be seen wherever they feel most comfortable. 

Services include:

• STI testing
• Contraception
• Pregnancy testing
• Emergency contraception
• PEP/PrEP
• One-to-one sexual health education
• Group educational sessions on topics such as STIs, healthy relationships, online safety, and consent

The outreach team is particularly valuable for individuals who are unable or unwilling to attend clinic-based services. Team members are available to provides clinical interventions and deliver educational support and group work. Professionals are encouraged to get in touch if they have groups or individuals who would benefit from these services.

Clinic Services:

Ashton Clinic 

The Orange Rooms
2nd Floor, 193 Old Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 7SR
0161 507 9460 Phone lines open Monday to Friday, 08:30–16:00
Clients should call at 08:30am to book an appointment.
Walk-ins are accepted for emergency contraception and PEP.

Under-18s Clinics

Locala offers a dedicated under-18s walk-in clinic every Tuesday from 3:30pm to 6:30pm at The Orange Rooms. No appointment is needed.
 This clinic provides a safe, friendly, and private space for young people to access sexual health advice and support.

Pop-Up Clinics

Locala also runs pop-up clinics across Tameside. These are walk-in services operating on a first-come, first-served basis and are open to anyone with sexual health concerns. Services include:

• STI testing
• Contraception
• Pregnancy testing
• Emergency contraception
• PEP/PrEP
• Coil removals

Current pop-up clinic locations and times:

• Healthy Hyde, Hyde – Every 2nd Monday of the month, 14:30–17:30
• St. Andrews Medical House, Stalybridge – Every 4th Monday of the month, 14:30–17:30

ChatHealth:

Locala offers ChatHealth, a confidential text messaging service for sexual health queries. Text: 07312 263032.

A clinician will respond directly to provide advice and support.

The Locala Approach:

They are inclusive, non-judgemental, LGBTQ+, friendly, and welcoming to all ages—including under 16s.

The team is committed to creating safe, respectful spaces where individuals feel supported.

Stay Connected:

Instagram: @localasexualhealth

LinkedIn: Locala Health & Wellbeing

Website: locala.org.uk/services/sexual-health/tameside

The staff are available to attend team meetings – in person or via Teams to promote the outreach services to any of your staff groups. 

Sessions are bespoke, please contact TSCP via TSCP@tameside.gov.uk  if you wish to arrange a session.