Sex shouldn’t ruin your time at university
Where to find sexual health help and advice as a Birmingham student
Your time at university should be the best of your life. You’re learning new things, forming new relationships and discovering your first burst of independence. For some students this inevitably includes having sexual intercourse.
These experiences should be fun, consensual and safe. For something that is literally the most natural thing in the world, sex can be fraught with misunderstandings, poor advice and experiences you might later regret.
Sometimes, asking friends isn’t the right thing to do – you’re not comfortable having the conversation, or you’d rather they just didn’t know. But that shouldn’t mean you keep quiet. In some circumstances, doing nothing is the wrong decision.
If you need help, you should ask for it.
Below you’ll find links to groups and organisations that will offer confidential help and advice. I hope that you won’t need any of these services and you only have great experiences, but equally you should also stay safe and, again, don’t be afraid to ask for help, if you need it.
At the University of Birmingham:
The Guild offers free contraception, supported by Umbrella clinics, in the form of condoms, dental dams, “female” condoms and more.
If concerns about your sexual health or pregnancy are affecting your studies, you can contact the Guild. They can offer you support, including speaking to your department and tutors on your behalf, and arranging any leave of absences that you might need.
How to get in touch:
https://www.guildofstudents.com/support/guildadvice/who-we-are-guild-advice/
Not On
This campaign is a joint effort between the Guild and the University to create a supporting environment free from harassment. There is a pledge that you can sign at the bottom of the page and the campaign runs workshops about consent and targeting harassment.
This is a great thing for societies to do, as it allows them to attach a badge to all their correspondence proving that they have a zero-tolerance stance on harassment.
How to get in touch:
https://www.guildofstudents.com/noton/
Who to contact about harassment
In addition to the “Not On” campaign, the University also offers services to support students dealing with harassment and offering advice.
You can find contacts at the University on this page:
https://intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/hr/wellbeing/employeesupportservices/harassment/index.aspx
Further to this, you can find the University’s policy on sexual violence – including historic cases and how and who to report them to – on the page below. It offers advice and support for self-care following an assault, as well as a helpful guide on how to support those who are dealing with trauma.
More information:
In the Birmingham Area:
The NHS
The NHS is the largest provider of genitourinary medical treatments and advice. This link offers a location finder, detailing the services each provides. You can also find your nearest place to get contraception, emergency contraception and STI testing, as well as services offering support and advice.
Find your nearest clinic:
https://www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/Sexual-health-information-and-support/LocationSearch/734
This is a general FAQ page covering topics from pregnancy, to STIs to sexual assault. If more information is needed about any of the topics, or you just fancy talking to someone in person, the NHS offers the number attached for this.
For more information:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/where-can-i-get-sexual-health-advice-now/
Or phone 0800 567 123
Umbrella Health
Umbrella Health is a comprehensive sexual health service. Their website discusses contraception options, detailing the length and efficacy of each. Something very useful on this website is that they offer a “quiz” where you answer questions about what you want from your contraception and they’ll suggest some options for you. This will help you to make an informed decision tailored to you when the number of options can seem overwhelming,
Importantly, their website has section offering information about sexual abuse, sexual assault, contraception and consent. They talk about legal definitions in a way that’s easy to access and feels non-judgemental. They also offer this advice and support confidentially and for free in their branches and by phone.
In addition to the information on the website and their phone line, which can be accessed from anywhere in the country, they have clinics in the Birmingham and Solihull. They offer walk-in and bookable appointments providing STI testing, pregnancy testing, contraception, support for survivors of abuse and psychosexual support.
Find your nearest clinic:
https://umbrellahealth.co.uk/service-locator
National Services:
FPA
This national sexual health charity has published a comprehensive guide comparing different types of contraception, including some lesser discussed options.
It provides information in a non-biased and easily accessible manner. It is useful for making an informed choice about the types of contraception that are most appropriate for you.
It will also point you to related services, including how and where to receive free contraception, where to access emergency contraception, and implications for pregnancy and breastfeeding.
More information:
https://www.fpa.org.uk/sites/default/files/your-guide-to-contraception.pdf
The Survivors Trust
This is a list of centres offering counselling, sexual health services and support to survivors of sexual assault or abuse. It’s a nationwide list detailing centres throughout the country, all of which are confidential and free to access.
It’s worth noting that there is a Horizon sexual assault referral centre (SARC) outlet on campus at the University of Birmingham, making it very accessible to book and attend appointments.
http://thesurvivorstrust.org/sarc/
For Men/Non-binary individuals
Survivors UK
Survivors UK started as a charity dedicated to supporting male survivors of rape and sexual abuse. They are inclusive, supporting trans and non-binary individuals, and anyone who does identify/has identified as male, or anyone who feels the service is the right fit for them.
They offer online chat support during the daytime (10.30 am – 9.00 pm weekdays, and 10.00 am – 6.00 pm on the weekend), counselling and support as well as signposting to local services. Their website is filled with useful information and support. It may be particularly useful for those trying to support a loved one dealing with trauma.
More information: