Sexual health
Local sexual health service
You can access sexual health advice and services from a range of venues and settings.
Pharmacies
- Chlamydia treatment and screening
- Condoms and emergency contraception. If you are between the ages of 13 -24 you can access these services for free
General Practices (GPs)
- Sexual health advice and chlamydia screening
- Contraception advice including Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)
Sexual health clinics
- You do not need to be referred by your GP to access the sexual health clinic
- Ilford Health Exchange Centre is open for contraception and limited sexual health services on Wednesday and Thursday. This is appointment only.
- Visit Barking, Havering and Redbridge University website
- You can order a free online HIV test
Find a Sexual Health clinic near you
HIV and AIDS
With an early diagnosis and effective treatment, most people with HIV won't develop any AIDS related illnesses.
People living with HIV on treatment can now experience the same life expectancy and health outcomes as those without the virus. With the right treatment, people living with HIV who take daily medication, cannot pass on the virus to their partners.
Why should I test for HIV?
- Testing is the only way you will know for certain if you have HIV.
- Getting tested makes sure you get the treatment and support you need.
- Testing can identify HIV early, meaning you can live a healthier longer life.
- By testing, you can take steps to prevent yourself from passing HIV on.
Living with HIV
If you or anyone you know is affected by the virus, you can continue to lead a normal life and maintain your independence - though sometimes support may be needed.
There is help locally available from the community HIV support service, provided by Positive East. It can offer support including one to one sessions via face to face or telephone, group sessions, prevention advice and engagement with people living with HIV.
Visit Positive East website or contact 020 7791 2855.
Sexual Transmitted Infections
STI’s can affect anyone, so it is important to practice safe sex.
How can I prevent myself from getting an STI?
The most effective way to prevent yourself from getting an STI is by wearing a condom correctly. If you are between the ages of 13 -24 you can access condoms for free with a C-card at participating outlets.
Visit Come Correct website to learn more about the C-card and participating outlets.
If you are over 25, you may be eligible for condoms free of charge from certain outlets.
Where can I get tested?
If you think you might have an STI, including HIV or are at risk of having one, you can get tested at your sexual health clinic, GP or pharmacy.
Visit the local sexual health services page
Why should you get tested?
Testing can prevent you from getting serious health issues such as pelvic inflammatory disease, swollen or painful testicles, arthritis, infertility and even meningitis.
When should I get tested?
You do not have to have symptoms to have an STI. You should test if you have:
- unprotected sex (including oral sex)
- started seeing someone new
- had a new partner within the last two months
- concerns that you might have an STI
Contraceptives
Contraception aims to prevent pregnancy. Contraception is free for most people in the UK. With 15 methods to choose from, you can find one that suits you best. Barrier methods such as condoms are a form of contraception that help to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy.
Where can I get contraception from?
You can go to your GP or Integrated Sexual Health clinic to discuss your choices.
Condoms
You should use condoms to protect both your sexual health and that of your partner, no matter what the other contraception you're using to prevent pregnancy.
Find out more about contraception and what works for you
Abortion services
Marie Stopes UK offers specialised treatment, advice and support for women considering abortion.
Call 0345 300 8090 to book a consultation appointment. The phone line is open 365 days a year.
Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse can happen to anyone and involves unwanted sexual behaviours or sexual acts which is forced or coerced onto someone without their consent.
If you feel you are at risk of sexual abuse or have been sexually abused, then there is various specialist support you can receive.
If you are in immediate danger of sexual abuse right now, then please call 999.
Specialist support
Redbridge's specialist Violence Against Women and Girls service
This service gives support on all forms of sexual violence and sexual exploitation (including support to males). Contact 0800 169 7759 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or email redbridgevawg@refuge.org.uk
The East London Rape Crisis Service
Free, confidential specialist help for women and girls who have been raped or experienced any other form of sexual violence. The service is for women of all ages including young women over the age of 14, whatever the assault and whenever it occurred.
Visit Nia website or contact 0800 160 1036
The Havens
Specialist centres in London for people who have been raped or sexually assaulted in the past 12 months. This includes men, women, young people and children of all ages. The nearest centre to Redbridge is Whitechapel Haven, near to Royal London Hospital.
Visit The Haven website or contact 0203 299 6900
Survivors UK
Support to male victims of sexual violation (both childhood sexual abuse and adult sexual assault/rape). This includes anyone aged 13+ who identifies as male, trans, non-binary, has identified as male in the past, or anyone who feels that this is the right fit for them.
Visit Survivors UK or contact 0203 598 3898 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm) or email help@suvivorsuk.org
