Healthy young people
Take care of your sexual health, get tested.
Cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are rising especially in under 25s in Barnet.
Not everybody gets symptoms, so if you are sexually active, it is important to get tested for STIs and HIV, even if you feel fine.
Find information, resources, and support on sexual health, testing and screening.
Maintaining a healthy weight
The teenage years are a time of rapid growth and development, so a healthy balanced diet is particularly important. Healthy, active young people can have large appetites. If you are a teenager, it is important to eat well-balanced meals, rather than too many snacks that are high in fat, sugar, or salt. Teenagers should be aiming for at least an hour of physical activity every day.
It’s a good idea to:
- cut down on sweets, cakes, biscuits and fizzy drinks
- eat fewer fatty foods such as chips, burgers and fried food and processed foods such as instant noodles
- eat regular balanced meals
- base meals on starchy foods, choosing wholegrain varieties whenever possible
- eat more fruit and vegetables
Aim to drink six to eight glasses of fluid every day. Water, low fat milk and sugar-free drinks including tea and coffee all count. The Eatwell Guide was created by the government to help summarise what makes up a healthy balanced diet. More information can be found on the Move more and Eat well page here.
Weight management is complex and challenging and many factors are involved. If you are concerned about your weight speak with your school nurse or GP. Find out more about Barnet's service to support healthy weight here.
For more information on maintaining a healthy weight please visit
For more information on services for young people please visit
For more information and help with eating well and nutrition for young people please visit
For more ideas and information please see -Refer back to healthy young families-keeping active page and move more eat well page
Jamie Oliver's Ministry of Food
Empowering Barnet’s communities with good food for good health: Ministry of Food cookery courses offer invaluable skills for young people and parents in Barnet
This summer, local young people and parents completed two…
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Fit and Active Barnet
Get active and give it a go - visit the Fit and Active Barnet Hub for tips to help you keep active in Barnet and physical activity opportunities for all ages and abilities.
Youth vaping
If you'd like to find out more about vaping and young people, we have resources to help you.
All About Periods Campaign
Department for Education (DfE) research has indicated that the UK still experiences many challenges regarding period poverty and stigma/taboos relating to periods. In addition, learner feedback from a local Barnet children & young people survey (2022) has shown that there was still a significant amount of stigma relating to periods and asking for products.
Barnet Council’s All About Periods campaign aims to support children and young people throughout the Borough by normalising periods through awareness raising and addressing period poverty and stigma.
Where can I find free Period Products?
-At school-All State Schools in England can order free period products for their students through the DfE-funded PHS period product scheme.
-Foodbanks- Ask at a local Foodbank nearest to you.
-Morrisons Ask for Sandy campaign- If you go to any Morrisons and ‘Ask for Sandy’ at the information desk, you will be provided with period products in a discreet envelope.
Healthy weight services for young people
Eating well and exercising in your teens is important to maintain your health and prevent future disease. We understand that every young person is different and therefore we have a range of exercise and healthy eating initiatives available in the borough.
Keep learning new skills – Duke of Edinburgh
Barnet council have a page dedicated to things you can do as a young person including activities and Duke of Edinburgh
Energy drinks
Energy drinks are not recommended for children and young people under the age of 16 and should be limited in over 16s and adults. They contain high levels of sugar and often contain high levels of caffeine.
High doses of caffeine can be linked to anxiety and sleep problems.
Young People Sexual Health and Relationships
As a young person, it is important to know where you can access contraception, sexual health testing and advice, including healthy relationships.
Please visit Your Health Barnet's page on Sexual Health in Barnet
Please visit Barnet Council’s website for sexual health, contraception and healthy relationships services and advice.
Come Correct Barnet’s free condom distribution scheme. Find out how to register to join the scheme and where you can obtain free condoms.
Some web pages you are able to review for further help and guidance:
Smoking, drugs and alcohol
If you are a young person affected by smoking drugs or alcohol, please visit the Barnet website to find out where to get help and support.
For advice and support please visit Change Grow Live.
Stopping smoking advice can also be found on Your Health Barnet
Substances and alcohol support can also be found on Your Health Barnet
