The Eddystone Trust
The Eddystone Trust is a local charity in the south west which focuses on HIV information, HIV prevention resources, HIV testing and Chemsex resources.
As well as specialist HIV services, the charity works alongside sexual health services, local communities and support groups in the area offering support and advice regarding sexual health and sexual well-being.
They offer rapid testing for HIV & Syphilis, providing a result within 20 minutes, and can provide self-test kits for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Their aim is to empower individuals to have the kind of sex they want whilst maintaining good sexual health.
Everyone has sexual health needs and The Eddystone Trust works with all members of the community – including those that may have additional needs who may find their services more useful. This has included Gay, Bisexual and MSM, members of the Queer community, people involved in transactional sex, young people,People with Learning Disabilities, and those from diverse communities.
Services they can offer include:
- A free and confidential full sexual health check
- Screening for Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B & C
- Support to access advice around gender and sexuality.
- PrEP and PEP advice
- Chemsex
- Support to balance sexual health and sexual well-being
- Condom and lube provision
- Contraception choices
- Support and advice, signposting
You can find out more about how to access their services via their website.
Engaging with individuals in a personal and meaningful way is the core of Eddystone’s outreach programme.
Services can be offered online, by telephone or face to face depending on need. Eddystone staff offer an open access service on hook up apps and websites such as Grindr, FabGuys, Squirt and Fab Swingers.
The charity’s outreach team regularly attend local events such as Pride, welcome fairs and other community happenings to raise awareness of sexual health and sexual well-being and the sexual health services provided across Devon & Torbay.
Eddystone also offer training, workshops and support to professionals, community groups and members of the community across Devon and Torbay.
If you are interested in accessing support or exploring if a sexual health outreach worker visiting your group, charity or event may be useful, you can contact Eddystone via email: info@eddystone.org.uk or phone 0800 328 3508
