Sexual Health & Safer Sex Practices

We offer safety, information and support surrounding sexual health, including STI’s and contraception to women who are currently sex working. You can find advice surrounding sexual health and contraception below or for more information please get in touch:

What supplies can I access through Basis?

We offer free sexual health supplies, including a range of EXS and Pasante condoms (in packs of 30), lubricant, dams, gloves, and sponges. We can also supply a range of condoms to purchase as bulk packs (144 condoms). Call us on 0113 243 0036 for the most up-to- date prices. You can pick condoms up from the Basis office, or arrange for them to be delivered to your home or place of work.

Condoms help to protect against STI’s and pregnancy. You should always have a condom ready, and only use one condom per job. We advise that you use flavoured for oral, extra safe for anal sex and extra safe or natural for vaginal sex. You can use lubricant with each condom to prevent the condom from bursting, ensure that you use only proper lube and no other product as this could cause the condom to break.

What tests & services can I access through Basis?

Our staff are trained to help with 3-site testing swab (mouth, vagina and rectum) – these test for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Trichomonas Vaginalis (TV)

During our Wednesday drop-in session (1pm-3pm), we have a Leeds Sexual Health nurse with us, who can offer testing, contraception and general sexual health advice. Please keep an eye on our socials (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram) for any cancellations of drop-in or nurse availability. Alternatively, please ring Leeds Sexual Health on 0113 392 0333. 

We suggest that you have a full sexual health screening every three months. If you are unable to attend our Wednesday drop-in, we can book appointments for you and accompany you if you wish. The staff are professional, non-judgmental and experienced in dealing with sexual health matters. The service is completely confidential, and results can be given by phone, text or an unmarked letter.

If you want us to book an appointment for you, the easiest way to do this is either to come to one of our drop-ins sessions (Mon, Tue, Wed, 1pm-3pm) at our offices. You can find a map to our office on our Contact Us page. Or, call us on our office number 0113 243 0036, or call/text/WhatsApp our sexual health phone: 07710 304 306

How can I access screening, contraception & treatment?

Drop-in:

During our Wednesday drop-in session (1pm-3pm), we have a Leeds Sexual Health nurse with us, who can offer testing, contraception and general sexual health advice. Please keep an eye on our socials (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram) for any cancellations of drop-in or nurse availability. Alternatively, please ring Leeds Sexual Health on 0113 392 0333. 

Easy access to Leeds Sexual Health (LSH) Clinic:

Dedicated Appointments: Dedicated female sex worker clinic on Wednesday evening from 5pm to 7pm at Beeston Hill, offering a safe space for female sex workers only. No appointments necessary: Walk-in is available at any of our clinics, on a sit and wait basis. If you cannot make this time, or would prefer a booked appointment, call/text/WhatsApp us on 07710 304 306 at Basis to book.

redumbrella

Red Umbrella Scheme: Red Umbrella Scheme confidentially notifies LSH reception staff that you are a sex worker, and ensures you are booked in as a priority for an appointment and signposting. When you telephone the clinic or attend in person, please say you are using “Red Umbrella”. This identifies you as a sex worker discreetly, meaning no tricky questions and you will be fast-tracked. Please note that fast track means you will be put next on the list to be seen, but may still have to wait up to 1 hour. You can find more information about this service on the LSH dedicated webpage. The sexual health clinic is located in Beeston Hill. 

Outreach Visits:

We can come to your home/place of work, or other convenient place. We understand the need for discretion and confidentiality. This option will also allow you to get free supplies, including condoms, lube and sponges, and newsletters with up-to-date info and Ugly Mugs alerts. Full screening options are sometimes available on an outreach visit. All you need to do is get in touch on 07710 304 306 to arrange a visit or to find out about other ways you can access testing or advice.

Sauna Visits:

We regularly attend saunas in Leeds to offer sexual health testing, information about contraception and/or support with safety or other issues you might be experiencing, including sexual or domestic violence.  Please get in touch on 0113 243 0036 if you’d like to know when we are next visiting or if we’ve not been to your workplace and you’d like us to.

For any questions regarding sexual health, to make an appointment, or find out drop-in times, please call or text us on 07710 304 306.

Pregnancy testing and support if you think you might be pregnant

Basis maintains a non-judgmental approach and will support you with your decision. If you are happy to become pregnant, we can accompany you to antenatal appointments and support you throughout your pregnancy and birth. However, if you would like to discuss other options available, we can refer you to the appropriate support and accompany you to any appointments or procedures.