errence Higgins Trust helplinelaunches London Gay Men's Sexual Health Helpline and ...

The Terrence Higgins Trust helpline, THT Direct, is launching two new services today.

The first is the London Gay Men’s Sexual Health Helpline and the second is a face to face service for people who would prefer to speak to an advisor in person, rather than over the phone.

The London Gay Men’s Sexual Health Helpline will be available on 0845 231 0600 from 10am – 10pm Monday to Friday and 12pm – 6pm Saturday and Sunday.  The helpline is for gay men who would like to discuss any issues or questions around sexual health including sexually transmitted infections, HIV and condom use.

Calls will be managed by the current THT Direct staff and volunteer teams with an additional post being recruited.  The service is part of the Pan London HIV Prevention Programme contracts recently announced. 

The face to face service is for anyone who might use THT Direct who would prefer to have a meeting in person, rather than speak to an advisor over the phone.  Meetings would take place at THTs central office in Gray’s Inn Road, King’s Cross.  Initial assessments and appointments will be made through THT Direct on 0845 122 1200

“THT Direct already provides a huge range of information and support to people who need it,” said Willie Turnbull, head of THT Direct.

“The service goes from providing useful information, to being a lifeline for people who feel they have no where else to turn.

“At the moment, we help around 550 people a month.  We’re looking forward to being able to increase this with these two new services.”

■  For further information on either of these services call THT Direct on 0845 12 21 200 or the London Gay Men’s Sexual Health Helpline on 0845 231 0600.

■  In Sheffield, the local Telegraph reports today that lesbian,gay and bisexual people in Sheffield are being asked to volunteer for workshops to give health and social care staff a better understanding of the health issues they face.