Help, advice and services for sexual health

For details of existing services, please see below.

SH.UK

From 1 October 2023 there is a new sexual health e-service that provides free and easy access to sexual health testing on behalf of Newcastle City Council. Services still remain face to face delivered by Solutions 4 Health From 1 October 2023, sexual health services at New Croft House in Newcastle are being provided by Solutions 4 Health.
More information is available at www.sexualhealthservices4newcastle.co.uk
You can contact a member of the Solutions 4 Health clinical team on 0191 229 2999.

Children North East and Streetwise: Sexual Health Programme

The Sexual Health Services, jointly delivered by Children North East and Streetwise, offer confidential advice and information, access to contraception and STI testing and support on subjects such as healthy relationships, decision-making, pregnancy, rights and consent.

Find out more at www.children-ne.org.uk and www.streetwisenorth.org.uk.

Blue Sky Trust

Blue Sky Trust will be supporting and connecting people living with HIV, their partners, carers and families. A range of initiatives including empowerment, education, peer support, peer mentoring and early intervention will contribute to improved health and wellbeing. Blue Sky Trust will also promote awareness of HIV, reducing the stigma and discrimination faced by those living with HIV. With 30 years experience in the HIV sector, Blue Sky Trust are ideally placed to contribute to Newcastle city's public health outcomes.

Find out more at www.blueskytrust.org.

Changing Lives

Changing Lives has longstanding experience of supporting people who are victimised for exploitation, which began 14 years ago. Our dedicated services support people with existing vulnerabilities who are being systematically targeted and groomed for sexual exploitation.

Over the years, our services have evolved to meet the needs of the people we support, who may be affected by various forms of exploitation, including labour exploitation and criminal exploitation.

We specialise in supporting people with pre-existing vulnerabilities, including experiences of poverty, social exclusion, homelessness, and trauma. We know that these vulnerabilities place people at increased risk of harm, including various types of exploitation.

Therefore, we take a person-centred and strengths-based approach, focusing on how we support people with their own unique needs, making it as easy as possible for people to access.

Find out more at https://www.changing-lives.org.uk/

Skills for People

Skills for People provides education and support for people with a learning disability through its Love Life programme. Local people can learn about relationships, sexual health and how to stay safe and well, through short courses in a group, or one-to-one sessions. Condoms, contraceptive implants, STI self-testing, and pregnancy tests will be available through a partnership with NHS sexual health services. A network will allow people who have attended the Love Life programme to continue to receive advice, guidance and support. There will be awareness sessions for people who care for a person with a learning disability.

Find out more at www.skillsforpeople.org.uk.

Find services, advice and help with your sexual and reproductive health, as well as related issues such as gender identity, sexual orientation, drugs and alcohol.

All of these services are free and confidential. The only time a service may need to share information about you is if they have a concern that you, or someone else you are in contact with, is at risk of serious harm. They should always talk to you about this first if they need to share information to keep you, or someone else, safe.

Sexual health services (including contraception and pregnancy testing)

Newcastle Sexual Health Services at the New Croft Centre

Sexual Health Services at New Croft Centre, Market Street East, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6ND

Free and confidential service for anyone (including under-16s) for contraception, emergency contraception, STI screening and treatment and other sexual health issues.

Telephone: 0191 229 2999

Newcastle Sexual Health Services at the New Croft Centre are currently running a telephone-led service and no walk-ins are available unless you are a young person attending a young person’s clinic session.

Please do not come to the clinic without an appointment as you will not be seen.

If you are aged 18+ or you are under 18 but would like to ask for advice, call 0191 229 2999 between 8.30am and 4pm Monday-Friday and a member of staff will talk through your needs and offer you an appointment to come in if necessary. You can also request a DIY STI kit over the phone or online and you will be given an appointment to collect it (read the information on the DIY sexual health testing page before ordering, so you know what questions you might be asked).

There are Young People's Clinics open on the following days:
•   Mondays 3:30 – 5:30pm at Streetwise Young People’s Project for those aged under 25 years
•   Wednesdays 3.30 – 5:30pm at New Croft for those aged under 18 years only which is supported by Streetwise Young People's Project
•   Saturdays 10am-12pm at New Croft for those aged under 25 years

All young person’s clinics are walk-in so no appointment is needed. You will be able to speak to one of our nurses about:
•   STI testing
•   all methods of contraception, including emergency contraception (Plan B)
•   pregnancy testing and pregnancy decision-making
•   C-Card for free condoms (including internal condoms - 'femidoms'), lube, dams

It's OK to call us if you're not sure if your issue is urgent. If you can't be seen at the New Croft Centre, staff will still be able to advise you and may redirect to you to one of the other services available across the city.

Check the website for service updates.

Learning Disability and Sexual Health Nurse

Amanda Holmes, Learning Disability and Sexual Health Nurse, works at New Croft Sexual Health Service.

She can help people with a learning disability to come in to the service and get help.

Email Amanda Holmes
Telephone: 0191 282 6706 / 6504
Mobile: 07860 179 857

C-Card Scheme - Free condom scheme for young people 13-25 in Newcastle

The C-Card scheme is a free and confidential service offering free condoms and sexual health information and support to all young people aged 13–25 years. You don't have to be sexually active to get a C-Card - it's more about getting the information and support you need to think about whether you want a sexual relationship, when you might feel ready and how to manage it when you do.

To join the C-Card Scheme all you have to do is visit one of the C-Card outlets and have a C-Card Induction with a trained C-Card worker.

They will tell you a bit more about how the C-Card Scheme works, assess that it is appropriate for you and give you some further sexual health information. Then if you want to join the scheme, they will sign you up and give you a C-Card that can be used at outlets across Newcastle and in many other areas in the North East and across the UK.

Find your nearest outlet or call 0191 229 2999

Streetwise Young People’s Project

Streetwise Young People’s Service - offers information and advice on any issue, sexual health and contraception and a free counselling service for young people under 25
Telephone: 0191 230 5400 / 07803 405680
admin@streetwisenorth.org.uk

Streetwise, in partnership with New Croft Sexual Health Services, offers a Young People's Clinic for young people up to the age of 17 years

Monday – at Streetwise 3.30-5.30pm

Wednesday – at New Croft Centre 3.30-5.30pm (under 18s only)

Saturday – at New Croft Centre 10am-12pm (under-25s only)

This free, friendly and confidential sexual health information and support walk-in service is for young people aged 17 years and under on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. The support we provide includes:

STI testing
Free condoms
Long acting reversible contraceptives including the implant and injection
Contraceptive pill
Emergency contraception
Pregnancy testing
Pregnancy decision-making support

These clinics are delivered by New Croft Clinical Team and Sexual Health Workers working in partnership with Streetwise Young People's Project

Children North East Young People's Service

Children North East Young People's Service Advice, information and support for young people aged 11 to 25, including a sexual health drop-in
Telephone: 0191 273 3997

GP practices

Most GP practices provide some sexual health and contraception services, including giving advice about contraceptive methods and prescribing of contraception pills, hormone replacement therapy, referrals for psychosexual counselling and testing for STIs, including HIV.

Contact your GP for further information.

Emergency contraception

If you have had unprotected sex where there is a risk of pregnancy, or you think your contraception might have failed, you can use emergency contraception up to 5 days afterwards to prevent a pregnancy.

Plan B in community pharmacies

You can access free emergency contraception from most community pharmacies in Newcastle. Ask for Plan B to ensure that you are not charged. This is for those at risk of pregnancy at any age - including those over 25.

You can get details of your nearest pharmacy by visiting the NHS Choices website. All of the pharmacies that offer Plan B (free emergency contraception) are listed on the Newcastle Hospitals' emergency contraception information page.

Newcastle Sexual Health Services at the New Croft Centre

You can access free emergency contraception from the New Croft Centre.

Call 0191 229 2999 between 8.30am and 4pm Monday-Friday, or if you are aged under 18, attend one of the Young People's Clinics.

Molineux Street Walk-in Centre

You can access free emergency contraception and pregnancy testing with no need for an appointment at the walk-in centre at:

Molineux Street
Byker
Newcastle Upon Tyne NE6 1SG

Telephone: 0191 213 8566

Opening Hours: 8am to 8pm every day including Sundays and bank holidays

Ponteland Road Urgent Treatment Centre

You can access free emergency contraception and pregnancy testing with no need for an appointment at the Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) at:

Ponteland Road Health Centre
169 Ponteland Road
Newcastle NE5 3AE

Telephone: 0191 271 9030

Telephone 2: 0845 60 80 320 (Out of hours)

Opening Hours: 8am to 10pm every day including Sunday

Westgate Urgent Treatment Centre

You can access free emergency contraception with no need for an appointment at the Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) at:

Westgate Road (located on the old Newcastle General site)
Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 6BE

Telephone: 0191 282 3000

Opening Hours: 8am to 8pm every day including Sunday

Free condoms and period products

Streetwise Young People's Project

Streetwise offers the M-Card which allows you to collect free period products. You can also sign up for C-Card (see below) for free condoms, lube and dams, as well as sexual health advice and support around relationships.

C-Card Scheme

To join the C-Card Scheme all you have to do is visit one of the C-Card outlets and have a C-Card Induction with a trained C-Card worker.

Find your nearest outlet or call 0191 229 2999

Newcastle Sexual Health Services at the New Croft Centre

You can pick up free condoms from the New Croft Centre when the clinic is open. This is currently 9am-4pm, Monday-Friday. You don't need to speak to anyone or have an appointment to pick up condoms. These are available in the entrance reception area, already bagged up for you to take away.

New Croft Centre
Market Street East
Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6ND

Please note that the clinic is open for booked appointments only - no walk-in clinics for those aged 18+ are currently running.

There is a Young People's Clinic open Wednesdays from 3.30-5.30pm (under-18s) and on Saturdays from 10am-12pm (under-25s). These are walk-in clinics, no appointment necessary.

If you need to make an appointment, call 0191 229 2999 between 8.30am-4pm, Monday-Friday.

GP Practices

Many GP practices offer free condoms and lube. Ask at reception at your GP surgery.

Testing and treatment for STIs (sexually transmitted infections), including HIV

Newcastle Sexual Health Services at the New Croft Centre

Newcastle Sexual Health Services at the New Croft Centre are currently offering a telephone-led service.

If you are worried you may have symptoms of an STI, or have been at risk of contracting an STI, including HIV, you can call 0191 229 2999 between 8.30am and 4pm Monday-Friday and a member of staff will talk through your needs and offer you an appointment to come in if necessary.

You can also request a DIY STI kit over the phone or online and you will be given an appointment to collect it (see the DIY sexual health testing page before ordering, so you know what questions you might be asked).

You can call to discuss:

Management of symptoms of an STI (sexually transmitted infection) such as a discharge from the penis, ulcers and sores, pain on urinating, pain during penetrative sex
Management of HIV
Management of contacts of infection such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) after sexual exposure to HIV

Check the website for updates.

If you are aged 15-24, you can pick up a home testing kit for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, as well as free condoms, from the New Croft Centre when the clinic is open (currently 9am-4pm, Monday-Friday). You don't need to speak to anyone or have an appointment to pick up testing kits or condoms. These are available in the entrance reception area, already bagged up for you to take away.

New Croft Centre
Market Street East
Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6ND

Please do not just turn up at the service as you will not be seen. No walk-in clinics are operating at this time for those aged 18+.

If you are under 18, you can attend the Young People's Clinic which is open on Wednesdays from 3.30-5.30pm. This is for those aged under 18 only and is a walk-in clinic, supported by Streetwise Young People's Project.

Freetesting.HIV postal HIV test kits

If you are aged 16 and over and live in Newcastle, you can order a home test kit through the post. You will need to provide a small blood sample, collected from a finger prick. You will not need to write your name on your sample. The kit will arrive pre-labelled with a unique code. This is to ensure your testing experience is as easy and discreet as possible. Please note, this test is just for HIV. If you have been at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection, you can get a test for other STIs including chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis by contacting the New Croft Centre (see above).

Termination of pregnancy

If you are pregnant and are considering a termination of pregnancy, you can contact the services below to talk through your choices and access early medical abortion at home, due to new emergency legislation that allows pills to be sent by post for terminations up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. There are still treatments available up to 24 weeks' gestation if needed. Both services are self-referral, meaning you can contact them directly and don't need a GP to refer you. Services are free (for anyone entitled to NHS treatment) and confidential.

Newcastle Hospitals Termination of Pregnancy Service

The Termination of Pregnancy Service at the RVI is free and confidential. You will need to have an initial telephone consultation with a specialist nurse practitioner, who will go through your options with you and discuss next steps. You will then be offered an appointment to come in for the procedure, if you decide that this is the best option for you.

You may also be offered early medical abortion at home, following the telephone consultation with a nurse specialist. This is a safe and legal way to end a pregnancy at an early gestation without needing to attend a clinic for treatment.

See the website for more details about accessing the service and what to expect.

Telephone: 0191 28 29 30 0 (24-hour direct appointment line)

bpas (British Pregnancy Advisory Service)

British Pregnancy Advisory Service (bpas) also provides NHS-funded pregnancy counselling and abortion care. They can help you to come to your own decision about what you want to do if you have an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy. Call to arrange a telephone consultation to discuss your options.

bpas can offer early medical abortion via the pills by post service, which is a safe and legal way to end a pregnancy at an early gestation without needing to attend a clinic for treatment. Call the bookings and information line to book a telephone consultation and full medical assessment with a trained nurse or midwife who will assess your suitability for treatment. If treatment is suitable and safe, you will receive abortion pills by post a few days later, or they can book you for an alternative treatment in clinic.

Telephone: 03457 30 40 30

LGBT+ groups and support organisations

LGBT+ North East

LGBT+ North East offer friendly, practical support around gender identity and/or sexual orientation. This includes the opportunity to meet other LGBT+ young people.
Get in touch with us for a chat. We will talk to you about your needs and agree a support plan tailored for you.

We can help with:

one to one sessions with one of our experienced team members
sexual health guidance
support to access clinical gender identity services
the opportunity to meet other LGBT+ young people in your area
family support
hate crime reporting
fun activities and sessions such as sailing, meals, climbing, etc. in a safe space

Contact
lgbt@humankindcharity.org.uk
Facebook @lgbtnortheasthk

akt

akt supports LGBTQ+ young people aged 16-25 who are facing or experiencing homelessness or living in a hostile environment.

Telephone: 0191 281 0099

Be North

Be: Trans Support and Development in the North Support for people that identify as Trans or have questions about their gender identity
Email: hello@be-north.org.uk

Vulnerable young people, safeguarding, sexual assault and rape

Always call 999 in an emergency.

If no victim is identified but you have information that suggests sexual exploitation may be occurring you can inform the Police: forceintelligence@northumbria.pnn.police.uk

Safeguarding Adults and Children

Newcastle City Council Safeguarding Pages (Care and Support)

Newcastle Young People's Support Team (Barnardo’s)

Includes Teenage Pregnancy Support, Young Parents’ Early Intervention Project, The Independence Project and Jam 1:1 Team.
Telephone: 0191 271 4615

Children’s SAST Team (Safeguarding Advice and Support Team)

Offer support and guidance around safeguarding issues to any worker based in Newcastle.
Telephone: 0191 282 3259

NSPCC

NSPCC Service Centre can offer advice to any professional re sexual abuse and/ or harmful sexual behaviour in children and young people.
Telephone: 0191 227 5300

SCARPA (Safeguarding Children at Risk Prevention and Action)

SCARPA (Safeguarding Children at Risk Prevention and Action) support young people at risk of sexual exploitation and young people who are missing.
Telephone: 0191 221 0836

Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)

The Northumbria SARC support service, based in central Newcastle, provides 24-hour crisis intervention and support for anyone who has experienced a sexual offence, regardless of when the offence occurred or whether the incident was reported to the police or not. In an emergency always dial 999.

24/7 Crisis Support Service Telephone: 0300 223 0099.

Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland

Telephone: 0191 222 0272 (10am-4pm - If you get a recorded message, please leave a brief message and we will contact you as soon as possible).
Email: enquiries@rctn.org.uk

GAP and MAP - supporting those involved in sex work, survival sex or vulnerable to sexual exploitation

Changing Lives: GAP MAP support men and women involved in sex work, survival sex and those vulnerable or exposed to sexual exploitation aged 16+. GAP MAP is proactive outreach trauma informed service offering safety, emotional and practical support. This includes one-to-one tailored support, drop-in provisions, peer-led interventions, trips and activities, Trauma Recovery Group Programs, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Skill Groups.

For additional information on how to refer or ask more about the support contact Nichola David.

Telephone: 07812 663 077
Email: Nichola.David@changing-lives.org.uk

Exploitation Safeguarding Nurse

Kath Armstrong, Exploitation Safeguarding Nurse
Kath is employed by Newcastle Gateshead CCG as the Exploitation Safeguarding Nurse. She is based at the Multi Agency Exploitation Hub and works with children, young people and adults who are victims of all forms of exploitation and abuse including: sexual exploitation, criminal exploitation, financial exploitation, modern slavery, and trafficking, forced marriage and honour-based violence. Kath can also offer support, information and guidance to anyone who is working with a child, young person or adult who is believed to be at risk of exploitation or who is known to be a victim of exploitation.

Telephone: 07909 880791
Email: kath.armstrong@nhs.net

National Stalking Helpline

National Stalking Helpline run by Suzy Lamplugh Trust.
Freephone helpline (9.30am to 4pm weekdays, except Wednesdays 1 to 4pm) 0808 802 0300
Email: advice@stalkinghelpline.org

Drugs and alcohol

Newcastle Treatment and Recovery (NTaR)

Newcastle Treatment and Recovery (NTaR)
NTaR delivers drug and alcohol services within Newcastle through a single point of contact, for all ages and substances. The service offers a range of support including specialist assessment, addiction medical and nursing care, recovery coordination, psychosocial, health support and a range of recovery support. Referral into the service can be done by email: NTARreferrals@cntw.nhs.uk or by telephone: 0191 206 1117

Referrals by email can be made anytime and telephone referrals between 10am – 4pm Monday to Friday. This also includes self-referrals.

PROPS - support for families of people who use drugs or alcohol

PROPS Positive Response to Overcoming Problems of Substance misuse within families- provide support to family members of people who use drugs or alcohol.

Telephone: 0191 226 3440

Talk to Frank website

www.talktofrank.com very comprehensive drugs information
Freephone: 0800 77 66 00

Useful websites and helplines (national) - Sexual Health

Bish

bishuk.com excellent website on all aspects of sexual health and relationships for anyone aged 14+ with advice and downloadable information for smartphones.

Bish Training website for parents and practitioners with lots of downloadable resources and leaflets to purchase.

Brook

Brook Sexual health and wellbeing site for young people up to 25.

NHS

NHS sexual health information

worthtalkingabout

worthtalkingabout Free, confidential advice line on sex, relationships and contraception for young people aged 18 or under; open 7 days a week from 2pm to 8pm (Monday to Friday), 2pm to 4pm (weekends). Freephone: 0800 28 29 30

Jo's Trust - Information about HPV

Jo's Trust Reliable information about HPV (Human papillomavirus), the HPV vaccine, cervical screening and cervical cancer.
Helpline: 0808 802 8000

The Mix

The Mix is a website and helpline for young people on issues from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Talk to us via online, social or our free, confidential helpline
Helpline: 0808 808 4994

Training for those working in Newcastle

Training for workers on sexual health

If you are working in Newcastle and you would like training on sexual health, including C-Card, contact Mark Ellerby-Hedley Mark.Ellerby-Hedley@nhs.net

Newcastle Public Health Department will also be putting together a programme of training in 2023.

Safeguarding training for professionals and volunteers

If you work with children, young people or vulnerable adults, it is important that you have the right level of safeguarding training. There is a range of face-to-face and online training available. Check which training you need on the Newcastle Safeguarding website (for children and adults).

Safe Newcastle Domestic Violence and Abuse Multi-Agency Training Programme

The Safe Newcastle Domestic Violence and Abuse Multi-Agency Training Programme provides training courses for practitioners and volunteers working in Newcastle.

Sexual health training for practitioners

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Help, advice and services for sexual health