Healthwise is a confidential Drop-in service for anyone under 25 years of age, including those under 16 years of age. It is based at 3 sites in the Forest (see poster for details).
You can come on your own or with a friend or partner.
The Service is run by a Youth Worker, Receptionist, Contraception and Sexual Health Nurse and Doctor.
We can give advice and counselling on a range of sexual health and related issues. We can provide appropriate contraception, free condoms, Emergency Contraception and Pregnancy Testing and help with results.
Initial testing for STIs (sexually transmitted infections) eg Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea
can be carried out and treatment given when infections are present.
A Pilot scheme is being carried out at Coleford Healthwise where a Health Advisor from GUM (Genito-urinary Medicine) Department will be available some Fridays to discuss with young people the STIs that they could get if they are not using condoms and practicing ‘Safer Sex’. When young people test positive for infections the GUM HA will discuss how we can help other people who may also have infections to be seen and get treatment.
In July we are hoping to be able to offer urine tests rather than swab tests
(those done with cotton buds).
For further information on sexual health issues contact