Services for LGBT

If you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) it can be very difficult getting information and knowing what support is available to you in Ayrshire & Arran. Isolation is a major issue and because there are no recognised pubs or clubs for LGBT people in the area, it can be difficult finding social support.

More often than not people are brought up to think that being heterosexual is the norm and anything else is not acceptable. Understandably this can put LGBT people off talking about their true feelings and can have a huge impact on their self-esteem and self worth. When it comes to sex most people get their information from family and friends but sadly LGBT people often feel isolated and are afraid of talking about the issues that are relevant to them. This can also stop people from accessing services.

If you are having sex it is important that you know the facts and what services are available to you, below are a list of local services that welcome LGBT people and links to national organisations. You can also download the NHS Ayrshire and Arran leaflet "Who am I?, Who are you?" an introduction to LGBT.

Ayrshire's GUM Services

GUM clinics (Genitourinary medicine clinics) these specialise in the screening and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, HIV information and testing, Hepatitis B vaccination, advice about safer sex etc. They also provide emergency contraception

Ayr
Heathfield Hospital
GUM every Tuesday 8.30-11am 01292 610557

Irvine
Ayrshire Central Hospital
GUM Every Monday 9.30-12 am 01294 323226
GUM Every Tuesday 1.45-4pm 01294 323226
GUM Every Thursday 1.30-4pm 01294 323226

Kilmarnock
Old Irvine Road
GUM Every Wednesday 6-8pm 01563 545700

Other Services

The Steve Retson Project
Based in Glasgow, the Steve Retson Project is a sexual health service for gay and bisexual men. Based within the department of Genitourinary Medicine on the first floor of the Sandyford Initiative, the Project offers full screening for sexually transmitted infections, HIV testing and counselling for all men who have sex with men.

Clinic times are as follows:
The appointment clinic is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5.00pm to 8.00pm
For an appointment ring: Phone 0141 211 8628
For general enquiries ring: 0141 211 8130
www.sandyford.org

Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland
Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) Scotland is the largest HIV charity in Europe and provides services across Scotland including Ayrshire and Arran . They are the HIV and sexual health charity for life. In Ayrshire THT Scotland provide services a gay and bisexual men and support to the wider LGBT community and people who are HIV positive.

Services include:
1-2-1 support, outreach, group work for LGBT people, advocacy and support for people living with HIV, training on HIV, homophobia, diversity and sexual health.

THT Group in Ayrshire
NESA (North, East, South Ayrshire) support group for LGBT people is managed by THT and this meets on the third Wednesday of each month.

For more details of these and other services offered by THT Scotland contact

THT Scotland, 134 Douglas Street, Glasgow, G2 4HF
Tel 0141 332 3838 Email david.bingham@tht.org.uk

www.tht.org.uk

The Get Rubbered scheme in Ayrshire
A condoms and lube postal scheme for gay and bisexual men delivered free of charge to your door on a monthly or bi monthly basis. www.getrubbered.com

Lesbian and Gay Switchboard
www.sgls.co.uk

Glasgow LGBT Centre
www.glgbt.org.uk

Scotsgay
The Magazine from Scotland for Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals
www.scotsgay.co.uk

Healthy Gay Scotland
A community HIV prevention initiative funded by the Scottish executive
www.healthygayscotland.com

Connected Scotland
An online resource offering information, advice and support to gay and bisexual men who are living with HIV in Scotland .
www.connectedscotland.co.uk

LGBT youth
www.lgbtyouth.org.uk

Stonewall Scotland
www.stonewallscotland.org.uk

Equality network
www.equality-network.org