Sexual Well-being 

StudentSpectra is committed to ensuring all those we support are able to protect their sexual health, protect their partners, and lead happy and healthy sex lives; making the choices that are right for them.

Information and Advice

StudentSpectra provides accurate, up-to-date information around sexual health and relationships including support with: deciding to have sex; healthy relationships; choosing contraception; and concerns around sexuality and/or gender identity. 

Support can be provided on a one-off basis, or through regular 1:1 sessions via our mentoring and counselling services. 

We will never tell you what to do, but can provide information about your options to help you make a decision for yourself.

We offer a non-judgemental, young person focused, confidential service. 

CLICK HERE: Confidentiality

Confidential is another word to say ‘private’. 

Your personal information is only available to those delivering, managing or administering your support service. It is not communicated outside the organisation or with other parts of the organisation without your consent. 

Support workers attend supervision where they discuss their work, which is also bound by confidentiality. 

Confidentiality may be broken should a worker believe there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or in very specific circumstances when required to do so by law. 

If you have any questions about confidentiality, please discuss this with your support worker.

Sexual Health:

A state of physical, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality. It requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences; free from coercion, discrimination, and violence 

WHO

1 to 1 Support

Counselling and mentoring services are available for those who feel they'd benefit from ongoing 1:1 support

Ongoing 1:1 support can help with a range of issues including:

Deciding to have sex; self-esteem and confidence; relationships (peer/family/romantic); and managing feelings and emotions

Sessions can be held at school, or in a community venue, or can take place online - it's up to you. 

All our services are voluntary, and sessions are tailored to your needs and goals.

All our services are confidential.

Mentoring.mp4

Mentoring

Counselling.mp4

Counselling

Online Support

If you are unable to travel to sessions, or you're uncomfortable accessing services face-to-face, we offer mentoring and counselling sessions via videochat, phone, or instant messaging service. 

In your initial assessment your worker will talk you through the options and agree with you the best format for your sessions. 

Remote sessions can be just as effective as face-to-face sessions, and we require the same level of commitment and engagement from you. 

Please note all our online communications follow the same safeguarding policies and procedures as our face-to-face services. This includes our confidentiality policy. For anyone accessing online services we ask you to agree to our online Code of Conduct.   

YS FlowChart

It's important to make sure you receive the right support for you; whether it be through mentoring, counselling, or group work. 

Once StudentSpectra receive a completed referral form our staff will get in touch with you to talk through your support options, and decide alongside you which service would be most beneficial in helping you achieve your goals. 

This flowchart explains what happens following a referral being made to our service.



If you think you would benefit from 1:1 support please complete the referral form and return it to YPServices@spectra-london.org.uk. 

If you are interested with our counselling service only, please register here.

Free Condoms

StudentSpectra are part of the C-Card scheme; providing free internal and external condoms and lubricant to young people (13-25 years old) across London.

You can register to the scheme and collect supplies from our outreach sessions.

For young men (16+) who identify as gay, bisexual, or MSM Spectra also offer free condoms and lubricant through our 24s scheme.

For young people (16-24) living in Merton, Richmond, or Wandsworth you can order free condoms from Metro's "Get It" service.

It's important to make sure you're using the condoms that are best for you. A variety of condoms are available through each of these schemes including those of different sizes and textures, and flavoured condoms for protection from STI transmission during oral sex. 

Free STI Testing

Sexually Transmitted Infections can sometimes be symptomless, so you may have an STI and not know it. If you’ve ever had unprotected sex (oral, vaginal, or anal) you are at risk of STI transmission. The only way to know is to get tested regularly. We recommend every 6-12 months, or at every change of partner. 

Spectra offers free STI testing from our outreach sessions across London. We offer urine and swab testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea for young people aged 13 and over, and offer two forms of HIV screening: saliva swab, and finger prick tests. 

If you are experiencing symptoms you believe could be caused by an STI you should attend your local sexual health clinic.

Alternatively, if you are over 16 and live in London you can order a self-testing kit to be done at home. Watch this short video to explain how to collect your samples.

For young people (16-24) living in Merton, Richmond, or Wandsworth you can order free chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing kits from Metro's "Get It" service.

CLICK HERE: Fraser Guidelines

The age of consent in the UK is 16. 

StudentSpectra sexual health services are also available to young people 13-15 years old who meet the Fraser Competency Guidelines which state that:

Young people under the age of 16 can be provided with advice and treatment in relation to contraceptive and/or sexual health, without the need for parental consent, provided they meet the following criteria: