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Health services are to offer advice to young people in youth clubs and sports centres, in a pilot scheme launched by the Department of Health yesterday.

The sites in Bolton, Hackney in London, Northumberland and Portsmouth aim to provide accessible health services targeted to the needs of teenagers in accordance with plans in the health and social care white paper, Our Health, Our Care, Our Say.

Partnerships with local football and rugby clubs mean trained health advisers can offer advice to teenagers during coaching sessions.

Caroline Flint, public health minister, said: “Health professionals who are trained to meet the needs of young people will be on hand to address the issues that concern teenagers such as pregnancy, social and emotional development, obesity, drugs and smoking.

“We hope to help to improve the public health of teenagers, including those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds and those from ethnic minority groups.”