Improved community sexual health and HIV prevention service   

Wandsworth residents will benefit from an improved community sexual health engagement and outreach service. 

The service will promote good sexual  and reproductive health through signposting to contraceptive advice as well as STI (sexually transmitted infections)  and HIV screening. 

Wandsworth Council recommissioned a service for south west London aimed at vulnerable groups more likely to experience poor sexual health.

The service seeks to improve access to STI and HIV testing and support services, raise awareness of sexual health and HIV, reduce stigma and promote better wellbeing in vulnerable groups.  

There will be improved one-to-one support with groups including trans communities, people with learning disabilities and people experiencing homelessness.  The new service will also work with sex workers providing community outreach and improved access to drug and alcohol services as well as HIV and STI tests.  

Based upon feedback from young people the service will also include improved relationship and sex education, a condom distribution scheme, chlamydia testing and wellbeing sessions in young people’s settings.  

In Wandsworth an additional service especially for vulnerable boys and young men will offer one-to-one mentoring, group work and counselling.  

Graeme Henderson, cabinet member for health, said: “Poor sexual health can have a negative impact on people and communities. We are committed to creating accessible, appropriate sexual health services for all – including at-risk groups and young people - and reducing fear and stigma. This improved service commissioned from Spectra will help us achieve that.” 

The Southwest Sexual Health and HIV Prevention service is being delivered by Spectra, which has over 25 years’ experience and expertise in the field, in partnership with METRO Charity, KWA Africa and Catholics for AIDS Prevention and Support. 

Find out more about local sexual health services, local communities of support, informative seminars and events at Sexual Health South West London.