When it comes to sexual health, here at DSU we've got you covered (literally).
*UPDATE: Both the SSH Clinic and CHOICES services continue to run now we have relocated to #YourNewDSU. Come to the new Advice Reception (at the top of the main staircase) and you'll be taken to our new dedicated drop-in space.*
De Montfort Students’ Union (DSU) has got you covered (literally) when it comes to promoting safe sex.
Through the student-led SSH Clinic on Tuesdays students can get information on all things related to sexual health, and at CHOICES on Thursdays students can receive free and impartial advice, sexual health screening and pregnancy testing.
And the best bit? Both are part of the C-Card scheme which means you can pick up condoms and other contraception for FREE!
The SSH Clinic takes places in The Art Factory every Tuesday during term-time between 12pm and 2pm and is run by a team of student volunteers like Margaret Munyika, a first-year Adult Nursing student. She said: “We are all students so we understand what it feels like to need a friendly face to talk to – and we are the same.
“If you have to go to the hospital or a clinic it can feel like it is something big and serious, but if it’s on campus it’s much easier.”
The SSH Clinic is a drop-in service and all you need to do to attend is head to the Advice office on the first floor of The Art Factory at the times it is running.
CHOICES, which is run by the NHS’ Leicestershire and Rutland Sexual Health Services, takes place on Thursdays between 12pm and 2pm, again during term-time.
The team are able to prescribe hormonal and emergency methods of contraception as well as undertake routine STI screening, pregnancy testing and pregnancy referrals.
Julie Milsom, Team Leader at CHOICES, said: “This is a completely confidential service and all students need to do is come in and talk to us. We don’t share details with anyone else and we just ask students about their worries and what we call their ‘risk factors’.
“It’s all about assessing them and putting the student at ease. We are not just a friendly face; we are not judgemental and we are here to make sure everybody is safe, happy and well.”
Again, all you need to do to attend is head to the Advice office and use the drop-in service on the times that CHOICES is running.
Keira Rounsley, VP Welfare and Community, said: “Our sexual health services are great for students because they are on campus and easy for students to get to if they’re worried, want more information, or to pick up some free condoms!
“Plus the SSH Clinic is a really great opportunity for students – particularly student nurses – to get some real world experience.”
To find out more about both CHOICES and the SSH Clinic, as well as how to get involved as a volunteer, click here.
