Rough Guide online

The whole point of the Rough Guide is that it gives you loads of important information about all sorts of issues. it's got masses of addresses and telephone numbers too. But sometimes, the numbers aren't enough: If you've got a problem of any sort, be it health related, a difficulty at home, finding work or getting somewhere to live, and you want impartial advice or just some one to listen to you, pay a visit to or phone your local advice and information centre. You'll get confidential help with what ever problem you have from the professional staff there.

What next?

This section is all about the choices that are open to you within education, training and work. If you're at the stage where you need to be making decisions about your future, looking through the options over the next few pages will give you some ideas.

Benefits

The rules about who can receive benefits and how they can be claimed are complex and sometimes confusing. This section will help you understand what's available, but if you think you are entitled to receive benefits you should get more in-depth advice from places like your Job Centre Plus, local social security office or advice and information centre.

Health

To get the most out of life, you need to know your mind and body. Check out the Health section for the low down on:

• Food and healthy eating
• Eating disorders
• Diet and exercise
• Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking
• Growing up
• Depression, Suicide
• Doctors and Dentists Health

Sexual health & relationships

We have relationships with all sorts of people throughout our lives, but as we reach puberty and beyond, a new type of relationship becomes significant: sexual relationships. These relationships with a boyfriend or girlfriend can be exciting, loving, fun and intense, and they can also cause tears and upset when they aren't going well. In this chapter you will find the answers to a whole range of questions and anxieties about managing the responsibilities that come with sexual relationships.

Discovering what you want; how to get what you want and no more, and who you are, can be a challenging process. It is through your relationships that you can move towards better self understanding, personal confidence and positive, assertive ways of behaving and living your life.

The Law

The police work for all of us, and play an important role in keeping us safe from harm.

But they cannot stop crime without information, so help them if you can, and remember that the police have safeguards to ensure that any information you pass to them remains private. Mostly, you don't have to answer questions if for any reason you don't wish to, but try to be helpful. Bear in mind that the police are likely to be making enquiries as a result of a complaint from a member of the public, and if you've ever been the victim of a crime, you'll know how upsetting that can be.

Housing

Everybody leaves home eventually. Well, nearly everyone. It sounds good: no parents telling you what to do, a space of your own, maybe living with friends, having your boyfriend or girlfriend to stay.

You might not have much choice about when you leave, but if you leave home without thinking about what's involved, you are much more likely to have problems. You could even become homeless.

Money

This chapter can't tell you how to make money - or how to keep it - but it will help you to keep track of what you have, and perhaps make it go further.

Going places

Opportunities for travel, work and fun abroad.