TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST SCOTLAND
THTS supports the sexual health needs of men who have sex with men in D&G. In 2016 we will continue to offer 1-2-1 support, a 3rd party reporting service of hate crimes directed at people because of their sexual or perceived orientation. We will continue to raise awareness of HIV and sexually transmitted infections and still be offer volunteering opportunities for you to assist in this.
We recommend that you have a sexual health check at least once a year even if you do not have any symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious, and possibly life-threatening illness. A new year is a good opportunity for a sexual health MOT check with our partners at NHS Sexual Health D&G. Please call to book call 0345 702 3687 for an appointment (Monday to Friday, 9.00am and 4.00pm). Alternatively, we suggest you test with your own GP.
FASTEST Direct: For those wishing to test in the comfort of their own home we offer a FREE, easy and confidential HIV test. Please visit www.tht.org.uk/sexual-health/About-HIV/HIV-postal-test for more information.
If you have concerns about any aspect of testing then please contact our Health Promotion Specialist for pre testing information and support. (details below)
NEW for 2016
We now offer a free and confidential counselling service for people affected by any aspects their sexual health, HIV status and relationships status, both in house and though one of our partner agencies, Relationship Scotland.
We have a new facilitated peer led support group for people affected by HIV on the first Thursday of every month 5.30pm till 7.30pm, starting on the 3rd of March 2016 at Heather Lodge, Nithbank, Dumfries.
We will continue to offer our free telephone support group through the year for those unable to travel to Dumfries, please contact us to access this services.
The best way to stay safe is to use condoms and lubricant properly. For FREE condoms and lube posted direct to your home use the enclose “ Get Rubbered” application form or visit http://www.tht.org.uk/our-charity/Our-work/Scotland/Condoms-by-post
‘Equality for All’
This new project targeting GP services across Dumfries & Galloway is a partnership between THTS, NHS Dumfries & Galloway, Sexual Health D&G, LGBT Youth Scotland and the West of Scotland Sexual Health Managed Clinical Network. It was successfully piloted in four practices in the autumn of 2015.
Men who have sex with men (MSM) have specific health needs which, if not addressed, can result in poorer physical and mental health outcomes when compared to other men.
GP practices are the centre of activity for everyone’s healthcare in Scotland and we want men who have sex with men to feel it is a safe place and be more able to talk in confidence without embarrassment or fear of judgement to their primary health care provider. This way they get the best support possible. Failure to have honest, open conversations with your GP can have serious implications to health.
Participating practices will be displaying our ‘equality for all’ poster. Staff will have been provided with information, support and resources to raise awareness of the specific health needs of men in relationships with other men and how to facilitate disclosure.
The project is now being launched D&G wide. If you see the ‘equality for all” logo displayed in your GP practice they have engaged in the project to benefit you. Please contact us for more information.
