Who we are

Peer Services, improved lives.

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.

Our Vision

Spectra empowers people from under-served and disadvantaged communities to reach their full potential by encouraging and supporting positive, informed life-choices. We challenge discrimination around gender, sexuality, trans status, health inequalities and related stigma, and other barriers to services e.g., economic deprivation and racial inequalities. We tackle barriers to accessing education, healthcare, and social welfare services, and gather field-based evidence to inform continuous improvement, service design and relevant public policy.

Our Mission

Spectra delivers supportive, knowledgeable, non-judgemental peer-based services to under-served communities.

Our Values

Evidence-based / Inclusive / Accessible / Knowledgeable and quality service / Non-judgemental / Peer based lived-experienced delivery

Our Principles

1. Spectra values partnerships. Staff, Board, volunteers and clients are encouraged to become stakeholders in developing services. Through our shared goals, team members will be encouraged to commit to the principle of a shared mutuality and common purpose.
2. We carry out our duties with diligence, ownership, accountability, responsibility and professionalism.
3. We show a willingness to develop our working practice, share existing skills, knowledge and be open to acquiring new skills. We commit to contribute in whatever way we are able, to the development and enhancement of Spectra.
4. We celebrate our rich and wide diversity and incorporate it into our working practice. We acknowledge that at times, differences in the team may present challenges for individuals, but we commit to grasp any challenges and maintain cohesion through fair, honest, reflective, and transparent dialogue.
5. We recognise specifically our commitment to challenge homophobia, transphobia, racism, sexism and other discriminatory behaviours and policies that negatively impact on individuals or groups of individuals.

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.