Get tested your way this Sexual Health Awareness Week

Tower Hamlets Council is working alongside local organisations and partners during Sexual Health Awareness Week from 16 - 22 September to raise awareness of the importance of looking after your sexual health.

The council is at the forefront of ensuring easy to access local services that offer free testing, advice and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV. 2018 - 19 has seen an 11 per cent increase in STI diagnoses in Tower Hamlets.

Throughout the borough there are many different ways people can get a confidential test, including at home sampling kits that can be ordered online.

John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “Tower Hamlets is leading the way in making sure our residents stay well with their sexual health. We have fantastic, supportive local services that help anyone – no matter their age or personal circumstances – gain access to a free, confidential test.”

This year’s theme for Sexual Health Awareness Week is focused on making sexual health inclusive –  relationships, sex and disability. In Tower Hamlets, the majority of sexual health and contraceptive needs can be met during a single visit to one of a number of local services, with extended opening hours and accessible locations.

Councillor Amina Ali, Lead Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said: “We’re working hard with our partners to reduce HIV and sexually transmitted infections. During this week, we want to highlight the wide range of options people have when it comes to their sexual health. STIs don’t always have symptoms, so we are encouraging residents to get tested regularly so they can quickly get the treatment and care they need.”

The council has a range of service providers who can meet varying needs in the community, including a dedicated service to support the sexual health and wellbeing of young people aged 19 and under. Safe East has a clinic on Mile End Road and also work in a number of youth centres across the borough, offering condoms (through the c-card, an NHS scheme aimed at 13-24 year olds, long-term contraceptives and other services.

In addition to standard testing and treatment, Safe East also offers advice and support on issues around consent and relationships.

The council’s Positive East service provides support for anyone affected by HIV, including offering rapid testing and fast access to treatment.

Local sexual health services will be providing information and support in various schools across the borough throughout the week. They will also be hosting extra clinics and information stalls alongside their regular clinics.

On Wednesday 18 September, Barts Health NHS Trust will be marking the week by reopening the Ambrose King Centre following a £2 million major refurbishment.

This sexual health centre of excellence, which sees around 40,000 people each year, has been transformed to improve patient access and experience, including better access for patients with disabilities.

There is more information about sexual health services in Tower Hamlets on the All East NHS website. 

Ends

For more information about this release contact the London Borough of Tower Hamlets communications team on 020 7364 4389 or email communications@towerhamlets.gov.uk

Notes to editors

Local sexual health services extra clinics and stalls:

Date	Times	Venue	Activity
16-20 Sep	All day	New City College, Poplar High Street	C card sign-up
17 Sep	All day	East Side Youth Centre	C card and condom distribution STI screening
17 Sep	All day	Collingwood Youth Centre	Drop-in stall offering STI testing C card sign-up and condom distribution
17 Sep	Evening	Limehouse Youth Centre	Discussion about the stigma associated with accessing sexual health services
18 Sep	All day	Christian Street youth Hub	Drop-in stall offering STI testing C card sign-up and condom distribution
18 Sep	All day	Columbia Road Youth Centre	Drop-in stall offering STI testing C card sign-up and condom distribution
18 Sept	9-11:30am	Royal London Hospital	HIV testing and STI screening on the Sexual Health Bus
18 Sep   19 Sep	12-4:00pm   10-4:00pm	Queen Mary University	HIV testing and STI screening on the Sexual Health Bus Meningitis vaccinations for under 25s C card sign-up and condom distribution
20 Sep	All day	Spotlight Youth Centre	Drop-in stall offering STI testing C card sign-up and condom distribution