A sexual health awareness group has been granted extra cash to fund new projects in Newham.
Shine Aloud, which was established three years ago, will use the �2,400 from Starbucks Youth Action to support and advise the borough’s youngsters on sex and relationships.
The organisation also has a successful online magazine, edited by journalism student Rianna Raymond-Williams, from Stratford.
Shine Aloud had to pitch for the money as part of a Dragon’s Den style competition last month.
Miss Raymond-Williams said: “I’m really pleased we got the money because I think it’s really important cause.
“There are a lot of young people that don’t know about sexual health and as a result of that we have teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
“Sex education is only covered basically in lessons - they don’t hear about things like family structures.”
Shine Aloud’s magazine, which is published quarterly, contains advice, features and celebrity interviews. The third issue, which was out last week, takes a detailed look at the different types of STIs.
Miss Raymond-Williams added: “We get lots of feedback and comments from people who say that it has helped them.
“It’s good to get more money behind it.”
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