Support for Vulnerable Adults
At Spectra, we believe that access to sexual health services should be available to all, especially for vulnerable groups who often face additional barriers to care. The SHOPE service is designed to provide essential sexual health products and support to individuals who may find themselves overlooked by traditional services.
Who We Support
SHOPE caters specifically to people in the community who face multiple challenges and disadvantages, including:
- Rough Sleepers: For those experiencing homelessness, maintaining sexual health can be incredibly difficult. SHOPE ensures access to free sexual health supplies, like condoms, STI testing, and discreet services in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
- Mental Health Issues: Mental health struggles often go hand-in-hand with difficulties in accessing health services. We offer a compassionate, easy-to-navigate service that respects the unique needs of those with mental ill health.
- Substance Use Issues: We understand the interrelation of substance misuse and sexual health. SHOPE provides harm-reduction tools and sexual health support that meets people where they are, free from stigma.
- Refugees and Asylum Seekers: We recognise the fear or mistrust that can come with accessing services as a person with an uncertain immigration status. At SHOPE, we provide free, confidential care to all, regardless of legal status.
- Survivors of Domestic Violence: Those escaping violent situations often face sexual health challenges in silence. SHOPE offers a secure, supportive space where survivors can access the care they need without judgment.
What SHOPE Offers
- Free Sexual Health Products: Condoms, lube, and other essentials available for free to help maintain sexual well-being.
- STI Testing and Advice: We provide testing, treatment, and information about sexual health in a way that is easy to understand and access.
- Non-judgmental Support: Our services are designed to be inclusive, trauma-informed, and welcoming to all genders and sexual orientations.
Accessing SHOPE’s services is simple and discreet. Contact us for more details on how to reach us at SWLSHOPE@spectra-london.org.uk and keep a look out for us at various outreach events around Wandsworth, Merton and Kingston.
Additional SHOPE services
Sexual Health Education for Adults with Learning Disabilities
At Spectra, we are committed to making sexual health education accessible to everyone, including adults with learning disabilities. Many people with learning disabilities miss out on critical information about their bodies, relationships, and sexual health. SHOPE is here to close that gap.
What We Offer
- Comprehensive Sexual Health Education: Tailored sessions that cover a wide range of topics, including consent, personal safety, relationships, and how to protect oneself from sexually transmitted infections.
- Accessible Information: We provide information in ways that are easy to understand, using visual aids, simplified language, and interactive activities to ensure that everyone can engage and learn.
- Inclusive, Safe Environment: We believe everyone has the right to be informed about their sexual health, and our education sessions are welcoming to people of all genders, sexual orientations, and learning levels.
Our aim is to empower adults with learning disabilities to take charge of their sexual health and feel confident in their knowledge. To learn more about these educational opportunities, contact us at SWLSHOPE@spectra-london.org.uk
Dignity for All: Addressing Period Poverty
As part of our commitment to ensuring dignity for everyone, SHOPE also runs “Dignity for All”, a program that tackles period poverty. We distribute dignity packs at outreach events to women, trans men, and non-binary people who menstruate. These packs include essential period products like tampons and pads ensuring that no one has to go without.
Period poverty affects many, particularly those living in unstable conditions, and SHOPE is here to help break that cycle. We believe in providing these products with care and respect, because no one should have to compromise their dignity due to lack of access to basic health essentials.