Sexual health
When used correctly and consistently, condoms are an extremely effective method of preventing STIs, such as HIV, and avoiding unwanted pregnancies.
You can access free condoms and lubricant from a range of local venues, if you are either under 25 years old, or 25+ and in the following group(s) at higher risk of STIs and HIV
- Gay / bisexual men
- Black African and Black Caribbean
- Client of a substance misuse service
- Involved in sex working
A list of outlets providing free condoms to under-25s can be accessed on the Young Hackney website(external link). Free condoms for 25+ in higher-risk groups can be accessed from the pharmacies listed on this page.
The NHS website(external link) has a comprehensive guide to the different types of contraception available - including condoms - to help guide you to the form that is best suited to you and your needs.
The Bloomsbury Clinic provides outpatient care for people with HIV at the Mortimer Market Centre in London.
- Anybody living with HIV in the UK can access our service, regardless of where they live and you can transfer your care without a referral, just phone or email us (see contact details on this page)
- We have a fantastic team that includes specialist doctors, nurses, psychologists, pharmacists, health advisers and peer support workers
- We have a pharmacy on site and offer blood tests, sexual health check-ups, contraception, menopause advice and clinical trials under one roof. We work closely with University College Hospital next door to provide inpatient care, specialist tests, antenatal care and referrals to other teams
- We also run clinics for people with hepatitis B and C as part of the North Central London hepatitis network. Read more about our hepatitis services.
- We have a booklet that includes information about our services and how they can help you. It also points to other sources of information and support that you might find useful.
Please note, this service is for people living with HIV or viral hepatitis – if you need tests then please visit our STIs and contraception page.
For more information: Bloomsbury HIV Clinic Central London (cnwl.nhs.uk)
BrookFor young people up to the age of 25 years. For information, please visit the website: https://www.brook.org.uk/
There are several sexual health agencies that can provide you with confidential support and advice. These include:
CHYPS Plus – The House
For young people aged 11-19 years.
Clifden Centre
Homerton University Hospital
London
E9 6SR
Tel: 0207 683 7176/0208 510 7176
Email: chyps.plus@nhs.net
This NSPCC helpline is for anyone concerned that a child's welfare is at risk because of female genital mutilation, FGM, and are seeking advice, information and support - family members, girls, women and practitioners working with children, young people and families.
For more information: www.nspcc.org.uk/
Tel: 0800 028 3550
Email: fqmhelp@nspcc.org.uk
- If you live in the City of London and you’re over 16, and have no or mild STI symptoms, you can order a free kit to easily test yourself for STIs in the privacy of your own home through Sexual Health London. There is no referral process – the service is accessed via SHL’s website.(external link)
- City residents who may be at-risk of having contracted Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or HIV, can take a free, confidential test at a local GP surgery, or at Homerton Hospital(external link).
Who we are and what we do:
We are the independent champion for people who use health and social care services. We’re here to make sure that those running services, put people at the heart of care.
Our sole purpose is to understand the needs, experiences and concerns of people who use health and social care services and to speak out on their behalf.
We focus on ensuring that people’s worries and concerns about current services are addressed.
We work to get services right for the future.
How we work:
We are here to listen to what you like about services and what you think could be improved. No matter how big or small the issue, we want to hear about it.
Where possible, we will let you know when changes are planned to services in our community and help you have a say. We will also encourage those in charge of local care to involve you when changes are being planned to services.
You can also speak to us to find information about health and social care services available locally.
Our approach:
People's views come first - especially those who find it hardest to be heard.
We champion what matters to you and work with others to find ideas that work. We are independent and committed to making the biggest difference to you.
For more information: Home | Healthwatch Cityoflondon
Tel: 020 3745 9563
Email: info@healthwatchcityoflondon.org.uk
Adults living with HIV
Positive East(external link) works with the City of London residents living with or affected by HIV. They provide support and advice on HIV, as well as health and wellbeing, benefit advice, housing issues and more. They also offer free and confidential counselling and psychotherapy sessions.
Referrals can be made through your hospital clinic or by calling 020 7791 2855. Proof of HIV status will be requested. HIV testing is for people who live or work in east London. For more information please call 020 7791 2855 or email Positive East.
Children, young people and families affected by HIV
Body and Soul(external link) supports children, teenagers and families living with, or closely affected by, HIV, who live in the City.
It provides an array of support, including peer support groups and information workshops for children, teenagers and adults; one-to-one counselling with mental health professionals; information and advocacy on issues, such as health and treatment, welfare, human rights and immigration; and much more.
They are currently accepting new referrals which can be done by completing their online referral form(external link). Once complete, a member of staff will get in touch to arrange a time to register the person either being referred or referring themselves.
To find out more about Body & Soul’s services and how to become a member(external link), please call 020 7923 6880 or email Body & Soul.
Information videos about the COVID-19 vaccine for people living with HIV
Our four friendly, free confidential clinics are here to meet your sexual health needs.
We offer a full range of sexual health services - from testing and treatment for STIs to contraception and PrEP.
Visit one of our walk in clinics:
You can visit one of our 'walk-in and wait' clinics without an appointment.
- Clifden Centre, Homerton - Monday to Friday - see our opening times below
Mon 9.00am-6.30pm
Tues 9.00am-3.30pm
Wed 12.00pm-6.30pm
Thurs 9.00am-3.30pm
Fri 9.00am-3.30pm
- John Scott Health Centre
Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday 9.00-11.30am;
Wednesday 12.30-3.30pm
We will see you as soon as we are able to.
If our slots are full, we might ask you to come later or the next day.
You can book an appointment at the following clinics:
You can book an appointment at the following clinics:
- 80 Leadenhall Street
- Ivy Centre
- John Scott Health Centre (afternoons)
- Our Saturday clinic at the Clifden Centre
- IUD (coil) fitting
Book online: Homerton Online Booking
Tel: 020 7683 4103
STI testing and contraception at home:
Our partners at Sexual Health London provide STI testing and some contraception online:
This is perfect for you if:
- You have not noticed anything wrong but want a sexual health check-up
- Someone you had sex with over two weeks ago has told you that they have tested positive for chlamydia or gonorrhoea
- You have noticed mild symptoms such as vaginal discharge or pain when you pee, and want to check if you have an STI
- You live in London and need a repeat supply of your contraceptive pill/patch/ring
- You are on PrEP and need to do your three monthly STI testing
For more information: Sexual Health London • SHL.UK
If you live in the City of London and are aged over 16, and you’d like to start using contraception, or continue your current method and would usually get it from a sexual health clinic, you can now order it online via Sexual Health London’s website(external link).
A wide choice of contraceptives are available, including emergency (morning after) pills, combined pills, mini pills, patch, and ring. You can arrange for them to be delivered to your home or to collect from a location. All requests will be complemented by a full online consultation, and reviewed by a GP before being prescribed
Local residents from black and other ethnic minority communities are able to access tailored support to look after their sexual and reproductive health through.
Positive East’s Community programme for City & Hackney residents aims to empower ethnic minority communities aged 16+ to take control of their sexual health and wellbeing.
Below you’ll find information about the different ways you can prevent HIV & STIs, preventing unwanted pregnancy and how to access free sexual health services in the borough, including condoms, contraception, and PrEP.
For more information about the Community programme please contact Euriza at hccommunity@positiveeast.org.uk
For more information: Project Community - Good Sexual Health for all in City and Hackney(external link).