When you need immediate help: Emergency services (999), crisis helplines (Rape Crisis 0808 500 2222, Galop 0800 999 5428), and NHS 111 are available 24/7 or have extended hours.

For routine sexual health: NHS sexual health clinics (also called GUM clinics), MESMAC (if in Yorkshire or North East England), or 56 Dean Street (if in London) provide testing, PrEP, vaccinations, and treatment.

For ongoing support: Switchboard LGBT+, Antidote, CliniQ, and local services provide continued care for mental health, substance use, or general wellbeing concerns.

If something’s not right: Trust your instincts. If you’re unsure which service you need, Switchboard LGBT+ or NHS 111 can guide you to appropriate support.

Keeping information current: We verify these details regularly against official sources, but contact information occasionally changes. If you find outdated details, please let us know so we can update this resource for others.

NHS Sexual Health Clinics

• Access: Find local services via nhs.uk/service-search/sexual-health
• Service: Free, confidential STI testing and treatment for all UK residents
• GP Involvement: None required — direct access, completely confidential. You do not need to be registered with a GP to use a sexual health clinic.
• Appointments: Many clinics offer walk-in appointments as well as bookable slots. Check your local clinic’s website for current access arrangements.
• Also Known As: GUM clinics (genitourinary medicine) — same thing, older name still widely used
• Testing Services: HIV testing (blood test or rapid finger-prick), syphilis testing (blood test), chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing (urine sample and/or swabs from throat, rectum, urethra depending on your sexual activities), hepatitis B and C testing (blood test)
• Prevention Services: PrEP access and monitoring (kidney function tests, STI screening every 3 months), PEP provision (some clinics; A&E departments more reliable for immediate access), vaccinations (hepatitis A, hepatitis B, HPV for MSM up to age 45), free condoms
• Other Services: Partner notification services (anonymous alerts to recent partners if you test positive)
• Recommended Testing Frequency: Every 3 months if you’re having sex without condoms with new or multiple partners, or using PrEP, or involved in chemsex. For other sexually active men: annually and after each new partner.
• Cost: Free

SH:24 — Online Postal Testing

• Website: sh24.org.uk
• Service: Free online sexual health home testing kits delivered to your door, provided in partnership with the NHS
• How It Works: Order online, receive a kit by post, take samples at home, post them back, and get results by text or phone
• Coverage: Available across much of England — check postcode eligibility on their site
• Cost: Free (NHS partnership)
• Notes: A good option if you prefer testing at home rather than attending a clinic in person. Results typically within a few days.

Terrence Higgins Trust

• Website: tht.org.uk
• Service: Major UK HIV and sexual health charity providing information, support, and advocacy
• Coverage: Nationwide
• Services Include: Comprehensive sexual health information, HIV support services, testing services (some locations), educational resources, advocacy and campaigning
• Cost: Free
• Notes: Long-established, nationally recognised organisation with extensive online resources and local services across the UK.

MESMAC

• Yorkshire MESMAC Website: mesmac.co.uk
• MESMAC North East Website: mesmacnortheast.com
• Service: Regional sexual health services specifically for men who have sex with men
• Coverage Areas: Two separate organisations serve different regions. Yorkshire MESMAC covers Leeds, Bradford, Rotherham, and Hull. MESMAC North East covers Newcastle, North Tyneside, and Northumberland.
• Services Include: Sexual health support and testing, STI screening, free condoms and lube distribution, community resources and outreach, MSM-specific health services, and support tailored to gay and bisexual men
• Cost: Free
• Notes: Specialist MSM services with strong regional presence — if you’re in their coverage areas, they understand the specific health contexts men who have sex with men navigate.

56 Dean Street

• Website: dean.st
• Address: 56 Dean Street, Soho, London W1D 6AQ
• NHS Service Page: nhs.uk/services/service-directory/56-dean-street/N10502861
• Service: Free NHS sexual health and HIV clinic with specialist LGBTQI+ services
• Location: Heart of Soho, London
• Services Include: Comprehensive STI testing, PrEP access and monitoring, HIV services and support, chemsex advice, gender identity services, same-day testing options (depending on demand)
• Cost: Free (NHS service)
• Notes: Well-known in London’s gay community for specialist, non-judgemental care. Can get busy — booking ahead often available online.

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

• What It Is: Daily medication (typically Truvada or generic equivalents) that prevents HIV infection with more than 99% efficacy when taken correctly
• Protection: HIV only — does NOT protect against other STIs
• NHS Access: Free via NHS sexual health clinics across England, Scotland, and Wales
• Requirements: Regular monitoring including kidney function tests and STI screening every 3 months
• Alternative Access: Private prescriptions or online services if NHS access is difficult in your area
• Information Resource: iwantprepnow.co.uk
• NHS Information: nhs.uk/medicines/pre-exposure-prophylaxis-prep
• Cost: Free via NHS
• Notes: Daily adherence essential for effectiveness — PrEP only works when taken as prescribed.

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)

• What It Is: Emergency medication that can prevent HIV infection after potential exposure
• Timing Window: Must start within 72 hours of exposure (ideally within 24 hours) — every hour counts
• Duration: 28-day course of antiretroviral medication
• Access Points: A&E departments (most reliable for immediate access — available 24/7), NHS sexual health clinics (some offer 24-hour services), some GP surgeries (though A&E is more reliable)
• When to Use: After potential HIV exposure such as condom breakage with a partner of unknown status, or unprotected sex
• Side Effects: Common and often unpleasant, but the course must be completed
• Cost: Free via NHS
• Notes: This is an emergency measure, not a substitute for consistent prevention. Don’t delay seeking PEP due to embarrassment — healthcare providers see these situations routinely.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

• Access: NHS sexual health clinics (free for eligible individuals)
• Doses: Three-dose series
• Effectiveness: Highly effective protection against hepatitis B
• Who Needs It: Most UK residents born on or after 1 August 2017 received this in childhood (included in routine 6-in-1 vaccine). Older gay men likely didn’t — check your status and get vaccinated if you haven’t been.
• Cost: Free via NHS for eligible individuals
• Notes: Hepatitis B can be transmitted through sexual contact — vaccination is straightforward protection.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

• Access: NHS sexual health clinics
• Doses: Two doses for complete protection
• Recommendation: Advised for gay and bisexual men
• Cost: Free via NHS for gay and bisexual men
• Notes: Hep A can be transmitted through oral-anal contact — vaccination provides strong protection.

HPV Vaccine for MSM

• Eligibility: Men who have sex with men, up to and including age 45
• Access: Sexual health or HIV clinics
• Protection: Prevents genital warts and reduces risk of certain cancers (anal, throat, penile)
• NHS Information: nhs.uk/vaccinations/hpv-vaccine
• Government Programme: gov.uk/government/collections/hpv-vaccination-for-men-who-have-sex-with-men-msm-programme
• Cost: Free via NHS for eligible MSM
• Notes: Highly effective vaccine that’s increasingly accessible — worth getting if you’re eligible.

999 Emergency Services

• Phone: 999
• When to Use: Life-threatening medical emergencies, cardiac events, severe heat illness, loss of consciousness, serious injury or medical crisis, sexual assault involving violence or immediate threat
• Available: 24/7
• Notes: Don’t delay calling due to embarrassment about where you are or what you were doing. Paramedics are professionals who’ve seen everything — your health is what matters.

101 Non-Emergency Police

• Phone: 101
• When to Use: Non-urgent police matters, reporting theft after the fact, non-emergency crime reporting
• Available: 24/7
• Notes: Use this for reporting incidents that don’t require immediate police response.

NHS 111

• Phone: 111
• Service: Non-emergency medical advice and guidance
• When to Use: Health concerns that aren’t emergencies but need professional guidance — they’ll direct you to appropriate services
• Available: 24/7
• Cost: Free
• Notes: Useful when you’re unsure whether something needs urgent attention.

Rape Crisis England & Wales

• Phone: 0808 500 2222
• Website: 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk
• Service: Free 24/7 support line for survivors of sexual violence
• Available: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Eligibility: Anyone aged 16+ in England and Wales (all genders)
• Coverage: Child sexual abuse, rape and sexual assault, sexual harassment, and all other forms of sexual violence
• Timeline: Support for experiences from any point in your life (not just recent)
• Also Supports: Friends, family, and supporters of survivors
• Cost: Free
• Notes: You can access support online via their website 24/7. Services are confidential and non-judgemental.

Galop LGBT+ Anti-Violence Charity

• Phone: 0800 999 5428
• Website: galop.org.uk
• Service: UK’s LGBT+ anti-violence charity providing specialist support
• Support For: Sexual violence and assault, hate crime, domestic abuse — all affecting LGBTQ+ people
• Available: Monday–Tuesday 9:15am–8pm; Wednesday–Friday 9:15am–4:30pm (closed weekends; daily lunch closure 1pm–2pm; closes 3:30pm on the first Thursday of each month). Check galop.org.uk/helpline for the latest hours.
• Cost: Free
• Notes: Specialist understanding of LGBTQ+ contexts and experiences. They understand the specific challenges queer people face when experiencing violence or abuse.

NHS Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)

• Access: Find your local SARC via nhs.uk
• Service: Comprehensive medical and support services for sexual assault survivors
• Available: Varies by location; some offer 24-hour services
• Services Include: Forensic examination (optional — preserves evidence even if you’re unsure about reporting to police), medical treatment for injuries, STI testing and treatment, emergency contraception (where applicable), emotional support and crisis counselling, referrals to ongoing support services
• Police Involvement: You can access SARC services without involving police — forensic evidence can be collected and stored whilst you decide
• Cost: Free (NHS service)
• Eligibility: Anyone who has experienced sexual assault or rape
• Notes: These are specialist centres staffed by professionals trained in trauma-informed care.

Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline

• Phone: 0800 0119 100
• Website: switchboard.lgbt
• NHS Service Page: nhs.uk/services/service-directory/switchboard-lgbt-plus-helpline/N10972277
• Service: Information, support, and referral service for LGBT+ people
• Available: 10am to 10pm, every day, 365 days a year
• Services Include: Listening service for anyone who needs to talk, signposting to other specialist services, information about LGBT+ resources, emotional support
• Cost: Free
• Notes: Long-established LGBT+ helpline — good first point of contact if you’re not sure where else to turn.

Antidote (London LGBT Drug and Alcohol Service)

• Website: londonfriend.org.uk/antidote
• NHS Service Page: nhs.uk/services/service-directory/antidote/N10876138
• Organisation: Part of London Friend
• Service: UK’s only LGBTQ+ run and targeted drug and alcohol support service
• Location: London-based
• Established: 2002
• Services Include: Non-judgemental free advice and support, support for drug and alcohol use, chemsex-specific support and harm reduction, work with healthcare providers
• Eligibility: LGBTQ+ people with substance use concerns
• Cost: Free
• Notes: Specialist understanding of LGBTQ+ substance use contexts, including chemsex. They won’t judge — they’re there to help.

CliniQ

• Website: cliniq.org.uk
• Find Sexual Health Page: findsexualhealth.org.uk/directory/cliniq
• Service: Trans-led holistic sexual health, mental health, and wellbeing service
• Eligibility: Trans, non-binary, and gender diverse people (and their partners)
• Location: London — Caldecot Centre, 15–22 Caldecot Road, SE5 9RS
• Services Include: STI testing and treatment, contraception services, mental health support, wellbeing services and counselling, holistic care approach
• Cost: Free (NHS service)
• Notes: Specialist trans and gender diverse healthcare with understanding of specific health needs and contexts.

Local NHS Drug and Alcohol Services

• Access: Via GP referral or self-referral
• Coverage: Nationwide (services vary by area)
• Services Include: Support for substance use issues, addiction services, harm reduction advice
• Cost: Free via NHS
• Notes: Increasingly recognise problematic sexual behaviours as part of addiction support. LGBT-affirmative therapists available in some areas — ask about specialist provision when contacting.

BLGBT — South Asian & Middle Eastern MSM Service

• Website: blgbt.org/services/south-asian-and-middle-eastern-men-who-have-sex-with-men
• Service: Dedicated support service for South Asian and Middle Eastern men who have sex with men
• Eligibility: South Asian and Middle Eastern MSM
• Notes: Culturally informed support that understands the specific pressures facing South Asian and Middle Eastern men who have sex with men in the UK, including family expectations, cultural stigma, and community dynamics.

LGBT Community Centres

• Service: Social connection, support groups, activities, and community events
• Location: Major UK cities (London, Manchester, Brighton, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and others)
• Cost: Varies — many offer free or low-cost activities
• Examples Include: Social groups, sports clubs, counselling services, befriending schemes, youth groups, older people’s groups
• Notes: Good options for building community connections beyond sexual contexts. Most centres welcome anyone questioning their sexuality or identity.

LGBT Sports Groups

• Examples: Swimming clubs, running groups, rugby teams (Kings Cross Steelers, Manchester Village Spartans), football leagues, hiking groups
• Service: Community connection through sports and physical activity
• Cost: Varies by group (typically membership or session fees)
• Finding Groups: Search “[your city] LGBT sports” or check community centre noticeboards
• Notes: Non-sexual social connection that also supports physical wellbeing. Most groups welcome all ability levels.

Emergency & Crisis:

• Emergency services: 999
• Police non-emergency: 101
• NHS medical advice: 111
• Rape Crisis England & Wales: 0808 500 2222
• Galop LGBT+ anti-violence: 0800 999 5428
• Switchboard LGBT+ helpline: 0800 0119 100

Online Resources:

• NHS sexual health finder: nhs.uk/service-search/sexual-health
• SH:24 postal testing: sh24.org.uk
• Terrence Higgins Trust: tht.org.uk
• Yorkshire MESMAC: mesmac.co.uk
• MESMAC North East: mesmacnortheast.com
• 56 Dean Street: dean.st
• Rape Crisis: 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk
• PrEP information: iwantprepnow.co.uk
• BLGBT South Asian & Middle Eastern MSM: blgbt.org

Sexual health, mental wellbeing, and safety are interconnected. Regular testing identifies infections before they cause complications. PrEP provides extraordinary HIV protection.

Crisis support exists for when things go wrong. Vaccination prevents infections before exposure occurs. Mental health services address the psychological dimensions of sexual wellbeing.

Using these resources isn’t paranoia or weakness — it’s how you maintain sustainable, healthy engagement with sexual spaces and communities. The British tendency to “not make a fuss” or avoid bothering healthcare services is precisely wrong here. These services exist specifically to be used by people like you, for situations exactly like yours.

You’re entitled to healthcare, support, and protection. These organisations provide it without judgement, often for free, and with understanding of the specific contexts gay and bisexual men navigate.

These resources support your wellbeing in and beyond sauna spaces. When you’re ready to visit, find venues in your area using our UK Gay Sauna Directory.

• NHS Sexual Health Services: nhs.uk/service-search/sexual-health
• NHS PrEP Information: nhs.uk/medicines/pre-exposure-prophylaxis-prep
• NHS HPV Vaccination: nhs.uk/vaccinations/hpv-vaccine
• GOV.UK HPV Vaccination for MSM Programme: gov.uk/government/collections/hpv-vaccination-for-men-who-have-sex-with-men-msm-programme
• Terrence Higgins Trust: tht.org.uk
• aidsmap (formerly NAM aidsmap, now hosted by Terrence Higgins Trust): aidsmap.com
• PrEPster: prepster.info
• BASHH (British Association for Sexual Health and HIV): bashh.org
• BHIVA (British HIV Association): bhiva.org

This resource page is part of the Gaysaunas.co.uk guide series. For an overview of all sauna facilities, see Gay Sauna Facilities Explained. For guidance on consent and etiquette, see our Etiquette and Consent guide.