News
September 2011
World Suicide Prevention Day
Saturday 10th of September is World Suicide Prevention Day,
and it has been well researched that unfortunately LGBT youth is 3 times more
likely to commit suicide than that of their heterosexual peers. This can be due
to a variety of reasons, struggling to come to terms with their sexuality,
being bullied verbally or physically because of it, family concerns, school
issues, work issues etc. And it's not just gay youth, depression in older LGBT
population is said to strike four to five times more severely than heterosexuals,
again for a variety of reasons, but with feelings of isolation being very high.
Please don't suffer in silence, there is a variety of organisations willing to
help and listen:
The Samaritans 08457 90 90 90 - The London
Lesbian & Gay Switchboard 0300 330 0630 - Childline 0800
1111.
And if you are local to the Swindon Area give us a call, we can provide one to one advice and support and have a free counselling service 01793 250951, regardless of your sexuality
To find out more about WSPD visit http://www.iasp.info/index.php
Published: 9th September 2011 by Matt (updated Thu 21st Jan) 
Sexual Health Week
September 12th - 16th is National Sexual Health Week, an annual campaign run
by the FPA (Family Planning Association) which has a different theme every
year. This year it’s The Facts of Life Campaign. It is attempting to address to
issue around parents and careers who find it difficult to discuss sex and
relationships with their children. In a survey nearly half (44%) of
parents said they'd given no or very little information to their children about
the facts of life, with the most common responses concerns being "What
should I tell them at this age? Will I know the answer? I’m embarrassed to talk
about it"
If you visit the FPA website, they are hoping to help anyone who needs it
to build up the confidence to discuss this important issue with their children
and they have produce a downloadable guide for you to use
http://www.fpa.org.uk/campaignsandadvocacy/sexualhealthweek/facts-of-life
Do you find it difficult to discuss such topics with your children? Do you have
any tips for other parents? Or what do you remember about how your parents
informed you when you were a child? Add a comment below to let others know.
Published: 9th September 2011 by Matt (updated Thu 21st Jan)
Swindon Pride Update
Swindon & Wiltshire Pride was on Aug 6th and we had an
amazing day and were so proud to be part of it. They day started very early
setting up our stand, and then taking part in the Pride March through the town
centre, and then the gates were open and we were greeted by faces old and new,
all very happy to be part of something very special.
We gave out lots of freebies, sexual health condom packs, leaflets and the new
rainbow shutter shades were a massive hit for those who took part in our free
on site Chlamydia testing.
A big thank you to the Pride committee for organising such a successful day,
and for those who would like to be part of it next year, please visit their
website http://www.swindonpride.com/getinvolved/committee/join
Did you enjoy Swindon Pride this year? What would you like to see happen at
next year’s event? Add a comment and let us know
Published: 9th September 2011 by Matt (updated Thu 21st Jan)
Gay blood ban lifted
It was announced yesterday that gay men will at last be able
to donate blood, a restriction that was put in place in the 1980's to reduce
HIV contamination. However there are still strict guidelines for gay men who
would now like to donate, which include a 12 month deferral, which means this
person cannot have engaged in any anal or oral sexual contact for the past 12
months. This is due to the window period associated with Hepatitis B.
Although this is a step in the right direction for equality, gay rights
organisation Stonewall, its chief executive Ben Summerskill said there would
still be tighter controls on low-risk gay men than on high-risk heterosexuals."A
gay man in a monogamous relationship who has only had oral sex will still
automatically be unable to give blood but a heterosexual man who has had
multiple partners and not worn a condom will not be questioned about his
behaviour, or even then, excluded."
To find out more http://www.blood.co.uk/
What are your thoughts on this current breaking news? Do you think it’s a step
in the right direction or do you agree with Ben? Let us know your thoughts with
a comment.
Published: 9th September 2011 by Matt (updated Thu 21st Jan)
Men's Sexual Health Autumn Update
Welcome to the new redesigned Men’s Sexual Health Website,
we hope you enjoy the new look and features we have implemented.
The autumn is fast approaching and September is the typical time of year when
students are setting off to college and university, so with that in mind we
have come up with a mini health guide of things you should consider before
heading off.
Register with a local GP: If, like most students, you spend more weeks of the year at your college address than your family’s address, you need to register with a GP near your college as soon as possible. That way you can receive emergency care if you need it and access health services quickly and easily while you're at college. It’s especially important if you have an ongoing health condition such as asthma, diabetes or epilepsy. You can choose to register with any local GP. The health centre attached to your college or university is likely to be the most convenient and the doctors working there will be experienced in the health needs of students. Many college health centres have good links with specialists such as psychiatrists, sports physicians, psychotherapists, counsellors and physiotherapists.
Register with a dentist: Dental problems can’t be dealt with by doctors, so register with a local dentist. Not all treatment is free, even under the NHS. You can apply for help with health costs, including prescriptions and dental care, by filling out an HC1 form, available from most surgeries and pharmacies.
Check or update vaccinations: Universities and colleges advise students to be immunised against meningitis C and mumps before starting their studies. These infections are rare, but occur more commonly among students. There have been several outbreaks of both infections in a number of UK universities in recent years. Both are serious infections. Meningococcal meningitis can kill and mumps can damage fertility. If you haven't already been immunised against meningitis C or mumps, arrange to be vaccinated by your doctor. Get an annual flu vaccination if you have asthma and take inhaled steroids. You should also get a flu vaccination if you have a serious long-term condition such as kidney disease.
Get Contraception: Even if you don't plan to be sexually active while you're a student, it’s good to be prepared. Contraception and condoms are free to both men and women from any GP (it doesn't have to be your own) or family planning clinic. Students can make an appointment for advice on contraception and sexual health at any time. The sooner you do it, the better.
Rest & Health Eating: Student life may not be renowned for early nights and healthy eating, but getting enough sleep and eating well will mean you have a better chance of staying healthy. You’ll feel more energetic and be better equipped to cope with studying and exams. Eating well doesn’t have to cost a lot and is often cheaper than takeaways. Taking the time to cook simple meals instead of eating out or buying ready meals is also healthier. Buy a student cookbook to give you some ideas. Try to five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, buy wholemeal bread and pasta instead of white, and keep fast food to a minimum.
Alcohol & Drugs: One of the most common associations with students is the amount they drink, and student life can be extremely socialable so over engaging in alcohol is easily and commonly done. Drinking in moderation is acceptable, but it’s when it you are constantly getting drunk or binge drinking that is can become an issue. Short term it could have an effect on your academic standards, arriving late to classes, hungover, unable to concentrate on coursework or exams, this could spiral into being kicked off the course. But more seriously it could put you in more harm, such as date rape, or being involved in car accident. Never accept drinks from strangers, or leave your drink unattended. Never get into a car if you have been drinking with the intention to drive or get into one with someone who has. Also you risk doing something you regret while under the influence, sleeping with the wrong person, not using protection, catching an STI, or getting someone pregnant.The long term effects of drinking are also serious; it can lead to liver disease, heart attacks and is associated with many cancers.
Drugs are also associated with student, especially cannabis as this is a very social drug that most 16-24 year olds have reported to have tried during their student days. But remember drugs are illegal for a reason, many can lead to psychological and physiological damage, and again put you in situations that without influence you wouldn’t be in. The legal penalties should also be considered, with many carrying fines and jail terms depending on the drug. The best way to avoid the above is to just say no, remain drug free during this important time, find other ways to be sociable and don’t accept peer pressure.
Stress & Depression: The challenge of doing coursework, exams, degrees etc can be overwhelming at times, notice when the pressure is getting too much and talk to someone, and take some time out. Discuss with your tutor or GP, no course is worth affecting your mental health.
If you are one of many going off to college or university this September, have a fantastic time, but remember the above and be safe.
If you would like any help or advice before or during your academic time please get in touch.
Published: 9th September 2011 by Matt (updated Thu 21st Jan)