What we do
Our work is guided by Spectra’s purpose and values, which centre lived experience, inclusion and community‑led approaches. These shape how we design and deliver services across health, wellbeing and education.
Who we serve
We support people who are too often excluded, unheard or underserved, including:
- LGBTQIA+ people, with additional services specifically for trans and/or non-binary people
- Sex workers
- Young people
- People living with and affected by HIV
- Black, Asian and People of Colour
What we do
Our services are designed and delivered by people who share the lived experiences of the communities we support. Our programmes provide:
- HIV testing, prevention and sexual health outreach
- Casework and advocacy for s*x workers
- Casework and health advocacy for trans and gender diverse people
- Groupwork and social supports for trans and gender-diverse people
- Young people’s groups and support
- Peer support for people living with HIV
- Counselling for LGBTQ+ adults and young people
We are proud of our shared commitment to improving wellbeing, confidence and connection within our communities.
Our vision, mission and values inform:
- The services we deliver with communities
- How we work with partners, commissioners and schools
- Our approach to safeguarding, ethics and governance
- How we reflect, learn and improve over time
You can find out more about how we put these values into practice by exploring this website.
Our approach
Spectra is built on lived experience. We believe that people are experts in their own lives and deserve services that honour their identities and realities.
We work in ways that are:
- Inclusive: welcoming and affirming of everyone
- Supportive and emotionally aware: rooted in care
- Accessible: low-barrier, practical and person-centred
- Anti-oppressive: challenging inequality in every part of our work
- Community-driven: shaped by the voices and experiences of those we serve
Vision
Spectra envision a world where LGBTQ+ people and people from other marginalised communities facing health inequalities, discrimination, and systemic barriers can make informed choices about their health and wellbeing. We strive for a future where everyone can access effective, inclusive support and feel supported in making choices that reflect their needs and identities.
Mission
Spectra is a sexual health, HIV and wellbeing organisation rooted in the LGBTQ+ community with a broader commitment to supporting other marginalised communities. We deliver inclusive, supportive, and accessible services led by and centred on people with lived experience. We support LGBTQ+ communities, trans and non-binary people, sex workers, people living with HIV, asylum seekers, people of colour, young people, and others facing systemic barriers. We challenge structural harms, reduce stigma, and build community through accessible, anti-oppressive approaches.