TEENAGERS will be able to access a host of sensitive health advice outside a clinical setting thanks to an initiative being launched in Darlington.

The Darlington Primary Care Trust has linked with Connexions to deliver teen health clinics in relaxed surroundings at 7-9 Houndgate.

School nurses will staff a one-stop shop from Monday to Thursday, between 3.45pm and 4.45pm.

They will offer advice on health problems that can frequently affect young people's lives, including bullying, relationships, stress, and sexual and general health.

Where health staff cannot help, they will be able to point young people in the direction of agencies that can.

Primary care trust school nurse clinical team leader Joyce Varley said: "The Connexions centre provides the ideal non-clinical venue, which is ideal for young people as there are lots of other facilities there."

Connexions locality manager Lynn Kilpatrick said: "I think it is great as it means we can provide a specialist service and encourage young people to come and look at a whole range of things.

"There is a certain shyness about discussing some issues, and this way they are more likely to attend an appointment."

Connexions Team co-ordinator Deb Archer said: "It is more of a youth environment, and if the nurse is tied up there are plenty of other activities they can make use of until she is free."

The one-stop shop will offer a range of support for 13 to 19-year-olds, including careers advice and guidance, free use of information technology facilities and the Internet, access to personal advisors and financial help.