We don’t make judgements, we respect, we understand.
Spectra's services are deisgned and delivered to you by staff and volunteers who are from your communities and share your identities.
This means that when using Spectra services, you have the confidence knowing that our staff, Board, managers and volunteers are made up of people just like you.
Spectra started life in 1996 as the West London Gay Men's Project, set up to prevent HIV transmission in local high risk populations by delivering services in the community as well as contributing to the evidence based research of the period.
Spectra has since broadened who we work with and the types of issues we support. We exist to support people of all sexualities, gender identities, cultural influences and ethnicities who want to make positive changes to their lives.
With a focus on sexual health and emotional wellbeing, we recognise that a person's sense of identity, well-being, culture, knowledge and confidence impacts strongly on the choices they make in life. This could be around isolation, attitudes to protecting yourself, relationships, resilience, stigma or substance use.
Spectra envisions a future where people from under-served and disadvantaged communities reach their full potential by being empowered, encouraged and supported to make positive, informed life-choices. Discrimination around gender, sexuality, trans status, health inequalities and related stigma has been eradicated and other barriers such as deprivation and racial inequality have been challenged and dismantled. Obstacles to accessing education, healthcare, and social welfare services have been removed and robust field-based evidence informs continuous improvement, service design and relevant public policy.
Spectra delivers supportive, knowledgeable, non-judgemental peer-based services to under-served communities.
Evidence-based / Inclusive / Accessible / Knowledgeable and quality service / Non-judgemental / Peer based lived-experienced delivery
By applying our shared values and principles we hope as a team to foster a culture of effective communication, cohesive working, professionalism and shared mutuality.
Do you need to talk to a professional to work through feelings or issues you are facing? If so check out our counselling service for LGBTQ young people and adults.
We run social groups for young people and people of trans experience, and other issue specific groups from time to time such as exploring sexuality, mindfulness, as well as therapeutic groups
You will find us out and about in London delivering our rapid HIV testing and sexual health services. Check our Services Calendar or call 0800587 8302 to find out where we are and when.
Our trained, peer staff can offer support to identify your goals and support you to achieve them
Feel you need a sexual health MOT? Talk to our staff and book a free, confidential sexual health checkup
Want to explore issues around sexual health, sexual orientation and gender identity with others? We organise events for our communities and professionals. Contact us for more information.
Spectra’s dedicated staff teams are from the communities we work with, meaning we have different sexualities, gender identities, ethnicities, disabilities, HIV status’, language and cultures. This diversity is our strength. All the team are trained and fully committed to giving the best service possible to you.