TIC TAC
TEENAGE INFORMATION CENTRE TEENAGE ADVICE CENTRE (TIC TAC)
The Centre started in February 1998 and has, over the years, received praise from OFSTED and The Government Select Health Committee. More recently TIC TAC
has been awarded the ‘You’re Welcome’ accreditation. This accreditation improves accessibility, acceptability and equality of services for young people. The quality Criteria supports the implementation of standard 4 and 9 of the National Service Framework for children and young people. It is an initiative of getting it right for teenagers in your practice which is supported by The Department for Education (DfE), Teenage Pregnancy Unit (TPU) and The Department of Health (DH).
TIC TAC has Health Centres based on both the Waterleat and Borough Road sites. The two co-ordinators who run the service have undertaken extensive training in order to provide a service which is outstanding.
TIC TAC promotes a service that:
- respects the dignity and self-worth of each young person;
- respects and values individual differences;
- recognise and are sensitive to the growing autonomy of each young person;
- respects every young person’s right to be a voluntary participant in any helping process;
- recognises the potential of each young person.
TIC TAC works towards good outcomes for young people by working with, and through, its members and other organisations.
TIC TAC has developed an approach which works successfully with young people.
Tic Tac is open 5 days per week from 8.30 am to 3 pm.
What is TIC TAC?
TIC TAC is a daily lunch time Health Centre available to all College pupils and students and is a teacher-free zone: it is staffed by Health Professionals and Youth Workers. TIC TAC has a strict confidentiality code within the limits of the law. TIC TAC provides up-to -date information and advice to all young people on a range of
issues.
Why we have TIC TAC:
“The need to engage more effectively with young people aged 12 – 17 years, living in the Paignton area”. Young people find it difficult to visit their GP because of the location of the surgery; the fear of information being passed on; the fear of doctor and the fear of knowing someone in the waiting room. Having the TIC TAC service on the school site alleviates all of the above fears.
What we DO:
Professionals are available throughout the week and throughout the term:
- Structured group work is offered around social development.
- TIC TAC provides a safe, warm place for young people to talk to positive adults and professionals.
- TIC TAC provides education opportunities and new activities. TIC TAC is a link for other specialists services within the Torbay.
- The staff empower young people to make informed choices and decisions.
- TIC TAC provides a confidential and safe environment acting within the safeguarding guidelines and working with the confines of the Law.
- TIC TAC offers a non-judgemental service. TIC TAC provides a service in partnership with the school to fulfil the last Government’s ‘Every Child Matters’ agenda.
The staff who work within TIC TAC are consistent and they provide a reliable service.
What we DON’T DO:
- We don’t judge young people.
- We don’t tell young people what to do, but encourage them to make the right
decisions. - We will not pass information on unless we have significant concerns about a young person’s welfare.
For information on who works where and on what days please see below:
