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Over the Rainbow is an NHS health initiative for Dorset’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and men who have sex with men (MSM) communities. The centre is staffed by NHS healthcare professionals who are able to offer specialist advice, support and information to individuals and their families around issues relating to:
- sexuality
- gender identity
- sexual health
- HIV.
The centre runs an award-winning sexual health screening clinic from 11am-7pm every Wednesday at our Bournemouth hub. It offers screening and treatment for people with symptoms of STIs, vaccines and free condoms, as well as advice and support.
Working closely with local organisations, the centre can help to support anyone with concerns around ChemSex, sexual risk taking, sexual assault and commercial sex work.
You can also catch the team in its pop-up wellbeing enclosure every summer at the Bourne Free pride event, as well as at other health promotion events at venues across Dorset.
For anyone who might be worried about their risk of acquiring HIV, PrEP (a pill which you can take before sex to protect yourself from HIV) is now available on the NHS in Dorset. For more information, please read our page on PrEP.
Have you experienced a bad case of diarrhoea after sex?
It could be shigella. It is often mistaken for food poisoning and is caught from bacteria in poo getting into your mouth during sex, or via unwashed hands. Find out about shigella and its causes, signs and symptoms. Learn how to protect yourself and what to do if you think you have caught it after sex.
Find out more: Sexual health for gay and bisexual men - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
You can also contact us at Over The Rainbow for more information or support. Call 0300 303 1948 to speak to a sexual health advisor.
With an excellent reputation for education and training, staff at the centre can also create bespoke and innovative teaching packages, suitable for a wide range of audiences. These can be tailored to accommodate one-to-one and group training for schools, colleges, universities in addition to workshops and lectures at professional organisations and national conferences.
Their extensive knowledge and experience in this area, means they are able to provide consultancy and training around a wide variety of subjects, including:
- testicular self-examination
- the LGBT lifestyle
- trans* awareness
- homophobia and bullying
- sexual health and STIs
- the impact of pornography on young people.
For more information on Over the Rainbow, as well as advice, support and information for LGBT+ people and their families, please visit: www.rainbowdorset.co.uk.