How to access services and support
You can get sexual health, contraception and pregnancy advice and guidance from your GP, including the Student Medical Centre on Talbot Campus. Alternatively, the following external services offer a range of support:
External services
- How to contact sexual health clinics or听order free STI tests
- Cervical screening tests
- Breast and testicular self-examination
- Staying safe online and sexting
- Relationships and saying "No"
Access urgent support
External services
Sexual health clinics听
Sexual Health Dorset鈥痯rovides听contraceptive and sexual health services across the county. Visit their website to听book an appointment at a听local鈥痵exual health clinic听and get听information听on鈥痗ontraception,鈥痵exually transmitted diseases (STIs),听plus lots of help and advice.
- Call听0300 303 1948
Get in touch via social media:
- 听on Facebook
- 听on Twitter听听
- 听on Instagram.
You can also check the website for useful contraception information and book direct with a nurse to discuss options.
Find听your local听听for STI testing and treatment. You can also听听online from SH:24.听This is for asymptomatic screening and听includes听self-finger prick blood testing.
Cervical screening tests
All women over the age of 25 will receive a letter from the NHS Screening Service听to remind them to book an appointment for their听test, with further reminders by text from your GP practice.听It's听really important听to register with a doctor and keep your details up to date so that you can ensure you get regular tests.听
Find out more about听the听.
Breast and testicular self-examination
Get into the habit of checking yourself on a monthly basis to look for any changes, swelling, pain, lumps or bumps.听For more information visit:
Relationships and saying "No"
Whatever gender or sexual orientation you identify as,鈥痠f you feel that you're being pressured into having sex, remember that it is always your choice.听Please also be aware that pressuring someone into sex is a serious offence. Non-consensual sex is either rape鈥痮r sexual assault. Remember, if you鈥檙e planning to do anything sexual,听then both of you must give consent. Find out more:
If you, or someone you know, has鈥痓een affected by鈥痵exual听assault or harassment, there is鈥痵pecific鈥痵upport available,鈥痠ncluding鈥痟ow to report this online.
Staying safe online and sexting
Be aware that everything you share online can be available pretty much forever. Choose your friends wisely - don't feel pressured into sending pictures or messages. You can use the settings on websites and apps to control your privacy. Find more information and support on the , and websites.
Access urgent support
Emergency contraception听
If you need emergency contraception:听
The NHS can provide鈥痬ost contraception for free. Find out about the鈥�.听
Pregnancy
If you think you're pregnant it's important to talk to your听GP as soon as possible to discuss your options.听Find out鈥痑bout the听support available both at 色花堂 and externally,听and visit the for more detailed information and guidance. The 听(BPAS) can also provide support and advice, including around unwanted pregnancy.听
Sexual assault or harassment
If you've experienced sexual assault or harassment, the听鈥�(STARS)听provides free practical and emotional support, as well as counselling.
鈥婭f you, or someone you know, needs to report鈥痵exual assault or harassment:
