Spectra News

PreventX, the largest provider of remote sexual health testing in the UK, is lacing up its walking boots for a cause that matters. On Wednesday, 3rd September, they are taking on the 15-mile Sheffield Round Walk in support of Spectra. The walk, which begins at Endcliffe Park, Rustlings Road, S11 7AB, is expected to take 6–7 hours and will include a litter-picking […]

“Sexual health is the ability to embrace and enjoy our sexuality throughout our lives. It is an important part of our physical and emotional health.”  -American Sexual Health Association  What does sexual health mean to you?  Ahead of the Sexual Health week (15-21 September) we invite people from across the UK to share their personal […]

Spectra will once again take part in the World AIDS Day RED RUN – one of the UK’s largest annual fundraising events for HIV support and awareness. Taking place on Saturday 22 November 2025 in East London’s Victoria Park, the RED RUN is a powerful and joyful day of action, visibility, and community.  The event […]

The Supreme Court ruling on the definition of biological sex in the Equality Act has sent shockwaves through our communities. So many trans[1] people are hugely worried and angry about its impact on their rights, safety, and privacy. This includes service users, colleagues and volunteers. We respect the role of the Supreme Court, but as […]

Spectra wants to say a big thank you and farewell to two of our Board Directors, who are leaving Spectra to focus on other initiatives.  Ruth Dixon (she/her) has been on the Spectra board since early 2017 and has played a vital role in its good governance over the years. A team player, Ruth has […]

Spectra are deeply concerned today about the UK Supreme Court ruling around the sex definition in the Equality Act 2010. The judgement said: “The unanimous decision of this court is that the terms woman and sex in the Equality Act 2010 refer to a biological woman and biological sex. But we counsel against reading this […]

Spectra is thrilled to announce the appointment of Joel Robinson (he/him) as our new Chief Executive Officer. Joel brings over two decades of experience in the fields of HIV, Sexual Health, and advocacy for trans and gender diverse health. His career includes a range of senior positions, most recently as Acting Co-CEO and Director of […]

We‘re so excited to finally share: “Searching: a film by Spectra.“ The short film gives an overview of Spectra’s trans services. From counselling, to health advocacy, to mentoring and social groups – our services are delivered by people of trans experience themselves in a friendly, safe, confidential, non-judgemental and accessible space.

The World AIDS Day RED RUN returns to Victoria Park, East London for its 14th year on 23 November 2024. The 10K or 5K fun run or walk supports HIV charities from across the country to strengthen the UK’s response to HIV.   Sign up to run or walk and select Spectra as your charity. It […]

This report details the findings from a series of focus groups and survey sessions run by Spectra CIC in 2024 to investigate the preference of young people in Southwest London towards their sexual health services. The report finds that despite current low awareness and use of existing services, young people want varied online and offline […]

Spectra’s Founder and CEO, Karen Skipper, is stepping down after 12 successful years with the organisation.  She will remain on the Board of Directors.  She is replaced by Ruth Dixon as Interim CEO whilst we recruit to the permanent role. Ruth has a long history with Spectra as both a former staff and Board member.  […]

The UK’s Department for Education released a Draft Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education Guidance on 16 May, open for consultation until July 11. Please be reminded that as this is draft guidance, schools and providers should continue to work within the framework provided by existing statutory guidance. Spectra is committed […]

Our Research and Performance Coordinator Grace attended the British HIV Association (BHIVA) Spring Conference 2024, which took place from Monday 29th April to Wednesday 1st May in Birmingham. Grace was impressed with the variety of experiences and expertise represented at the conference sessions.Some overall highlights include: Laying a wreath at the HIV memorial Spectra’s research […]

Following the success of the Mindfulness-based Chemsex Recovery Programmes in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 we are pleased to announce a course has been scheduled for 2024. The course will take place over 4 half day retreats in November and December 2024. PLEASE NOTE: Applications are accepted up until 5PM on Wednesday 6 November. Venue: Wandsworth […]

For Trans Day of Visibility 2024, members of Spectra’s Art Therapy Groups have chosen again to share some of the images that they have made as part of their therapeutic journeys to show the creativity in our community to a wider audience.  Images include paint, digital art, pencil and pen drawings, and collage. They were […]