We are committed to ensuring all those we support are able to protect their sexual health, protect their partners, and lead happy and healthy sex lives; making the choices that are right for them.
A state of physical, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality. It requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences; free from coercion, discrimination, and violence.
–WHO
We provide accurate, up-to-date information around sexual health and relationships including support with: deciding to have sex; healthy relationships; choosing contraception; and concerns around sexuality and/or gender identity.
Support can be provided on a one-off basis, or through regular 1:1 sessions via our mentoring and counselling services.
We will never tell you what to do, but can provide information about your options to help you make a decision for yourself.
We offer a non-judgemental, young person focused, confidential service.
StudentSpectra are part of the C-Card scheme; providing free internal and external condoms and lubricant to young people (13-25 years old) across London. You can register to the scheme and collect supplies from our outreach sessions.
For young people (16-24) living in Merton, Richmond, or Wandsworth you can order free condoms from METRO’s “Get It” service.
It’s important to make sure you’re using the condoms that are best for you. A variety of condoms are available through each of these schemes including those of different sizes and textures, and flavoured condoms for protection from STI transmission during oral sex.
Sexually Transmitted Infections can sometimes be symptomless, so you may have an STI and not know it. If you’ve ever had unprotected sex (oral, vaginal, or anal) you are at risk of STI transmission. The only way to know is to get tested regularly. We recommend every 6-12 months, or at every change of partner.
If you are experiencing symptoms you believe could be caused by an STI you should attend your local sexual health clinic. Alternatively, if you are over 16 and live in London you can order a self-testing kit to be done at home. Or you can bring it to any of our community HIV testing sessions where we can help you with it. Watch this short video to explain how to collect your samples.
For young people (16-24) living in Merton, Richmond, or Wandsworth you can order free chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing kits from Metro’s “Get It” service.
Spectra have been commissioned to deliver sexual health services to young people via an outreach, prevention, and engagement programme.
Our work includes targeted 1:1 support, as well as groupwork sessions; supporting schools and education settings in providing compulsory Relationships & Sex Education.
If you know of a young person who would benefit from our services, please support them to complete the referral form; ensuring they consent to their information being shared, and return it to YPServices@spectra-london.org.uk. A worker will then get in touch to organise an assessment.
If you want to refer a young person into our LGBTQ+ counselling or group support directly, please visit our webpage and follow the registration instrution there.
If you are interested in accessing our groupwork support, please complete the groupwork request form and a worker will be in touch to organise session delivery.
If you are interested in accessing our professionals training courses please complete the training request form and a worker will be in touch to organise session delivery
If you have any queries about the services StudentSpectra offers please get in touch by emailing YPServices@spectra-london.org.uk, via our online contact form, or live chat with us here.
StudentSpectra is on Instagram – follow us @student_spectra for service updates, sexual health information, and competitions.