Sexual Health
If you have any specific concerns about your sexual/reproductive health, it is advisable you speak to your GP in the first instance.
You can access a wide range of sexual health services through locations listed on the Homerton Sexual Health services website.
This includes information about contraception, local sexual health clinics (Clifden Centre, Ivy Centre, John Scott Clinic and 80 Leadenhall in the City of London), how to access services if you are aged under 17, as well as their offering around free PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis) treatment.
Online booking for next day appointments is available, at 7pm you can book a next day appointment for sexual health by visiting Homerton Sexual Health Services – online booking portal.
In addition, you can also access a range of support for your sexual and reproductive health, such as Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC), STI testing and treatment, and more, at your GP practice, or a local community pharmacy.
Local residents from black and other ethnic minority communities are also able to access tailored support to look after their sexual and reproductive health through Project Community - Good Sexual Health for all in City and Hackney.
This service is also commissioned by the local Public Health team and offers health promotion, advice, and information on a wide range of topics, including ways that individuals can protect themselves against HIV and other STIs.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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. Free condoms for 25+ in higher-risk groups can be accessed from the pharmacies listed on this page.
The NHS website 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.
Adults living with HIV
Positive East 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 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. 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, please call 020 7923 6880 or email Body & Soul.
Information videos about the COVID-19 vaccine for people living with HIV
The City of London Corporation is proud to support the Do It London campaign, which urges Londoners to get tested for HIV.
Testing is the only way to be sure of your HIV status. The earlier you test, the lower the risk of the infection damaging your health. Condoms and other methods, such as PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) are crucial to reducing the risk of HIV transmission. Condoms also protect against other sexually transmitted infections.
Open Doors is a free and confidential advice service for people working in the sex industry in Hackney and the City of London. It is delivered by Homerton Sexual Health Service and can provide a range of support, including access to specialist sexual health services, condoms, psychological support, and other forms of support. Open Doors provides outreach and drop-in clinics. To find out more, please call the team on 07984 401 346, or visit the Open Doors website.
For those providers without a negotiated position:
Please ensure you quote the correct prices according to the year in which care was provided otherwise your invoice will be rejected.
Providers of GUM services who wish to submit invoices totalling more than £1,000 per annum must be registered as a supplier to the Council and all providers must fully comply with the terms and conditions.
Failure to comply with the financial terms and follow the payment process will lead to a rejection of an invoice. No alternative payment terms or mechanisms are available.
Please note: Hackney Council works on behalf of the City of London Corporation in relation to sexual health. Suppliers should contact Hackney Council directly in relation to any queries.
You can find the Annual Report of the Director of Public Health for the City of London and the London Borough of Hackney on Sexual Health by visiting the City and Hackney Health website.