Love Safely, founded by your VP Wellbeing and Diversity, Krupa Naik, is a campaign dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of looking after your sexual health and wellbeing, including understanding consent and healthy relationships, knowing your rights, and removing the stigma when it comes to speaking about sexual and reproductive health. 

The need for greater social awareness on the topic of sexual wellbeing is inclusive of all gender identities and sexualities. We encourage all students to engage with this week, whether that’s through reaching out to an external health service, self-educating through shared resources, or initiating conversations with friends and family. 

Love Safely will be observed from the 10^th – 14^th February.

Events/activities during the week:

• Menstruation and Women's Health Group | Rolle 206 | Wed 12th Feb from 15:00 - 16:00
• HPV Vaccine Drop-in | SU Lounge | Friday 14th Feb from 11:00 - 14:00

  Women's Health Group drop-in - more info

Sexual health services in Plymouth:

Looking after your sexual health whilst at university is an important aspect of your wellbeing. 

Getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) when you are at university is nothing to be embarrassed about or shy away from. Regular testing is recommended to everyone who is sexually active in some form.

By getting tested regularly, you can help keep yourself safe. Many STIs can be treated easily, particularly if they are caught in the early stages and before they may progress into an STD. Regular testing also means you greatly reduce the risk of passing on an STI to someone else. 

Even if you take precautions when having sex to prevent sexual transmitted infections and diseases by using condoms, it is still recommended to get an STD or STI check if you are sexually active. 

Check out some of the services available to you in Plymouth who can provide sexual health tests, along with other services, support, and guidance, such as consent, contraception, and pregnancy.  

1. Sexual Health in Plymouth (SHiP)

Sexual Health in Plymouth (SHiP) provides free and confidential sexual health and contraception services without the need for a referral and is open to everyone.

Their no referral needed advice and testing services include: 

• STI testing and treatment
• Advice if you have been diagnosed with an STI
• Advice if you have been the victim of sexual assault
• Vaccinations to protect against STIs
• Routine contraception
• Emergency contraception 
• Pregnancy advice
• HIV testing, treatment and care
• Advice on sexual health and wellbeing

SHiP also provides STI home testing kits. You can order your STI kit online here if you live in Plymouth, Devon or Cornwall. 

2. C@SHiP

The C@SHiP scheme is a confidential service which entitles anyone aged 13–24 living in Plymouth and Devon quick and easy access to regular condoms for free every 12 weeks. 

To access this scheme, you must register to their Personal Health Record (PHR). You will need an email address and mobile number. 

Once you have registered, you can choose how you receive your condoms: 

1. By post: If you choose to have your condoms posted out to you, they will arrive in a discreet envelope to your chosen address.
2. Collection: You can arrange to collect your condoms from one of our many distribution centres (pharmacies, youth services and shops).

There are a number of condom distribution centres in Plymouth where you can collect your condoms. As a University of Plymouth student, you can collect your condoms from the University of Plymouth Students' Union (SU) building. You can collect your condoms from the SU during the following times: 

• Monday 1pm - 4pm
• Tuesday 1pm - 4pm
• Wednesday 1pm - 4pm
• Thursday 1pm - 4pm

For more information on the C@SHiP scheme and to watch important videos on consent and how to effectively use condoms, prior to signing up, click here.

3. The Zone

The Zone, located on Union Street, Plymouth, offer free and confidential information and support for all young people aged 13-25. This includes health and wellbeing, relationships and sexual health support. 

The Zone offers you the opportunity speak to one of their trained workers, as well as free condoms, STI screening and pregnancy testing. 

The Zone can also help you to access emergency contraception and other specialist sexual health services.

Find out more about The Zone's sexual health and relationship services by clicking on the following links: 

• Relationships
• Condoms and contraception
• Emergency Contraception
• Pregnancy
• STIs and testing

If you would like to see one of the nurses, you can book an appointment online here. 

4. The Eddystone Trust

The Eddystone Trust is an independent organisation that was started in Plymouth in 1987 by a group of volunteers who were responding to the AIDS pandemic.

They are a charity who are committed to improving the landscape for people living with HIV, along with working towards normalising the discussion around the subject of HIV and sexual health within the community. 

Their work includes outreach prevention, HIV & sexual health support, HIV testing, and condom distribution.

Check out The Eddystone Trust website for:

• Pre and post-test discussion
• Emotional and practical support to people affected by HIV
• Support with housing and money issues
• Peer Support
• Safer sex resources
• Condoms by post
• Information and training on blood borne viruses and sexual health for professionals
• Bespoke support to help develop
• HIV responsive Service
• HIV testing

Services and support online:

1. Brook 

Brook offer free, confidential sexual health and wellbeing support and advice:

• Having sex for the first time
• Getting an STI test
• Emergency contraception
• What contraception is right for me?
• I've had unprotected sex
• I'm concerned about myself or someone else

Visit the Brook website for more information and to access their free resources.

2. SARSAS 

SARSAS offers support for anyone who has been affected by sexual abuse.

• Free online courses on trauma and self-care
• Self-help guides
• Victom/survior resources

Visit the SARSAS website for more information on support services and helplines.

Understanding healthy relationships 

February observes Healthy Relationships and Toxic Behaviours Awareness Month. So, let's talk about what healthy relationships look like, and how to spot when relationships are not good for you.

1. First Light

First Light have launched their Happy Healthy Love Campaign this month. This campaign will see resources, advice, and collaborations with young voices and experts on the topic of healthy relationships. Follow First Light on Instagram and TikTok for tips, stories and support.

You can also find self-care information for anyone who may be affected by abuse here, including abuse in sport here.

You can also subimit questions or ask for resources on their webpage here.

2. Brook

Read information and advice from Brook on what healthy relationships should look like, including casual relationships, non-monogamous relationships, and understanding consent.

• Relationships and dating - what is healthy?

Speak Up - an SU and University of Plymouth reporting tool to report abuse, harm, or hate.

Students and staff can report abuse, harm or hate that happens on campus, using an online reporting tool. 

Whether its sexual harassment, racism, homophobia, a single instance of discrimination or abuse, we want to empower students and staff to Speak Up.

Any students, staff, or member of the public in Plymouth, who has experienced or witnessed an incident on campus. There is also an option to report on behalf of someone else.

Find more information on Speak Up and how to report here.