SAAFE forum
General Category => Sex Work Projects => Topic started by: Monicamcc on 01 August 2018, 05:27:39 pm
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Sex Worker Outreach Project in Brighton (BOP) [/b]has been providing support for sex workers in Sussex for 17 years. We are signed up to and promote NUM.
We have launched a new website FLASH - FLexible Alternatives for Self HIV testing) https://flashhivtest.co.uk/ is offering FREE HIV self tests from the site to sex workers, identifying as women.
The kits are sent by post within a week of order. Get your results in 15 minutes at home. Confidential, easy, convenient.
We'd hope to get feedback on your experience of site and test - an online survey (£10 Amazon voucher for completion) is embedded in the site.
The site is translated into 6 languages to engage those women who are not from the UK.
The project is trans inclusive.
We have a Twitter presence (FLASH_Self_Test) and FB (FLASH Self-Test) so follow us, RT and share with others if you can.
Thanks
Monica (FLASH Coordinator)
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Just want to say i used this service and found it great! Very easy to understand, in comfort of my own home and it was posted to me extremely fast and discreetly.
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Just want to say i used this service and found it great! Very easy to understand, in comfort of my own home and it was posted to me extremely fast and discreetly.
Same here, I got mine yesterday. Would 100% recommend. I’ve never used any kind of home testing kit previously and I’d definitely be inclined to do a bit of research on other home kits after using this. From a convenience point of view where my time is so limited, it’s ideal.
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I would absolutely love if the whole sti screen could be done at home. I did it with super drug sexual health by post but it's £126 so wouldn't want to be paying that regularly!!
I just hate having to meet real people in clinics. Didn't help that local one I went to the girl taking swabs from me recognised me instantly from old civvie job! :FF
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Just want to say i used this service and found it great! Very easy to understand, in comfort of my own home and it was posted to me extremely fast and discreetly.
This is my experience too.
Also like you I'd like to have all STIs screened like this, not because I have an issue with meeting people but because services are difficult to access where I'm based. Limited hours.............have to travel and public transport slow.
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I would absolutely love if the whole sti screen could be done at home. I did it with super drug sexual health by post but it's £126 so wouldn't want to be paying that regularly!!
I just hate having to meet real people in clinics. Didn't help that local one I went to the girl taking swabs from me recognised me instantly from old civvie job! :FF
I don’t think I would do it at home all the time but if it suited me better than trying to arrange an appointment, I’d go for it just for the sake of convenience. It’s good to know there are good resources there in that instance.
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I just had to take advantage of this free screening kit and mine has arrived! Will do the little test this evening.
Perhaps I should read up on it more but I always thought that while the test results can come back much quicker via a clinic than they used to, an instant result with this kit scares me a little. Hopefully it is accurate. I played the video demonstration so think I have got this right.
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I just had to take advantage of this free screening kit and mine has arrived! Will do the little test this evening.
Perhaps I should read up on it more but I always thought that while the test results can come back much quicker via a clinic than they used to, an instant result with this kit scares me a little. Hopefully it is accurate. I played the video demonstration so think I have got this right.
It’s really easy to use and like you, I actually felt more nervous taking mine at home. I think it was just thinking of worst case scenario and what if I need a hug! I did a bit of research and reading on these tests yesterday and feel pretty confident with the result. X
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It’s really easy to use and like you, I actually felt more nervous taking mine at home. I think it was just thinking of worst case scenario and what if I need a hug! I did a bit of research and reading on these tests yesterday and feel pretty confident with the result. X
It is a bit wierd seeing the test run there and then, the packaging does advise going to the GUM if you do test positive. I know that's not much help when you are there alone, but I'm sure you'll be fine.
I mentioned the test to GUM staff, they said they do use this type of test 'in an emergency', and said they are 'very expensive' - which sounds like a reason they aren't routinely used by the NHS.
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I mentioned the test to GUM staff, they said they do use this type of test 'in an emergency', and said they are 'very expensive' - which sounds like a reason they aren't routinely used by the NHS.
Yes - a civvy friend of mine has really bad health anxiety. She was hospitalised twice in quick succession for pneumonia and the consultant said she should be checked for HIV as it could be an indicator. They then took her bloods (while she was an inpatient) and lost them.... 3 fucking times. So she went to the GUM and was in such a panic that they took pity and did the express test for her. (She's fine!)
I don't think I'll take advantage of this on a regular basis as I want a full STI check for everything, but it's great to know that it's available in the event of an emergency.
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Yes - a civvy friend of mine has really bad health anxiety. She was hospitalised twice in quick succession for pneumonia and the consultant said she should be checked for HIV as it could be an indicator. They then took her bloods (while she was an inpatient) and lost them.... 3 fucking times. So she went to the GUM and was in such a panic that they took pity and did the express test for her. (She's fine!)
I don't think I'll take advantage of this on a regular basis as I want a full STI check for everything, but it's great to know that it's available in the event of an emergency.
I went to my GP with a skin problem, because I mentioned sex work they immediately put the fear of God into me about it being a symptom of HIV. I'm still cross about it!
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I went to my GP with a skin problem, because I mentioned sex work they immediately put the fear of God into me about it being a symptom of HIV. I'm still cross about it!
That kind of shit is exactly why so many of us keep our work hidden, even when it would be better for us to be open.
Sex worker: Doctor I dropped a heavy load on my foot and I think my toe is broken
Doctor: PROBABLY COZ YOU'RE A WHORE
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That kind of shit is exactly why so many of us keep our work hidden, even when it would be better for us to be open.
Sex worker: Doctor I dropped a heavy load on my foot and I think my toe is broken
Doctor: PROBABLY COZ YOU'RE A WHORE
This and Mirror's comments struck a light with me because I have a problem with slow/poor eyelash and body hair growth. Head hair growing as normal. The lack of body hair is no problem and actually welcome but the eyelash one is a mystery and annoying but I had tests done to see if hormone deficient or thyroid worries but nothing showed up. Doc gav me the impression I was a bit of a pest as others have far more worrying ailments.
None of my G.Ps have known my profession though.
I have taken the Flash home test and result negative. A little scary waiting for the line to appear but gad I did it.
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That kind of shit is exactly why so many of us keep our work hidden, even when it would be better for us to be open.
Sex worker: Doctor I dropped a heavy load on my foot and I think my toe is broken
Doctor: PROBABLY COZ YOU'RE A WHORE
;D ;D I nearly choked on my tea hahaha. Yep exactly why I don't even tell people at the GUM clinic. My nurse already makes snidey comments and she just think I just sleep around with multiple partners!
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;D ;D I nearly choked on my tea hahaha. Yep exactly why I don't even tell people at the GUM clinic. My nurse already makes snidey comments and she just think I just sleep around with multiple partners!
Medical staff are meant to be non judgemental aren't they? They can think what they like when treating or testing for sexual infections etc. whether they know we are sps or not but should keep their mouths shut when it comes to sarcasm or thinly veiled comments.
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;D
Just want to say i used this service and found it great! Very easy to understand, in comfort of my own home and it was posted to me extremely fast and discreetly.
I am really pleased to hear how happy you, and others, were the FLASH self test. It can be a bit scary before results come through for anyone self-testing. I do offer for people to call me and the SWOP team for those who test positive to help support you and guide you to the appropriate places.
If anyone is happy for me to share any of their quotes (100% anonymously) on FLASH Twitter or FB to encourage other sex workers to use, do let me know. Otherwise I am hear to respond to any queries that anyone has. Monica
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:o
I just had to take advantage of this free screening kit and mine has arrived! Will do the little test this evening.
Perhaps I should read up on it more but I always thought that while the test results can come back much quicker via a clinic than they used to, an instant result with this kit scares me a little. Hopefully it is accurate. I played the video demonstration so think I have got this right.
This can be a bit scary for anyone taking an HIV test themselves. Most people report this and it's quite normal. It is good to have this option available for convenience if needed. We are here available at SWOP team Brighton if anyone does need any support before or after testing. My details are on the site and the packaging.
In terms of accuracy, the BioSure test is 99.7% accurate after 3 months following a potential exposure to HIV. I hope the test went well and the video helped. Do send me a DM on here or to my work email address if you have any other queries: monica.mccusker@brightonoasisproject.co.uk
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It is a bit wierd seeing the test run there and then, the packaging does advise going to the GUM if you do test positive. I know that's not much help when you are there alone, but I'm sure you'll be fine.
I mentioned the test to GUM staff, they said they do use this type of test 'in an emergency', and said they are 'very expensive' - which sounds like a reason they aren't routinely used by the NHS.
We recommend going to a GUM clinic once a reactive test (that is what a positive test is called on these kits) as they can confirm 100% if it is HIV. The test confirms 99.7% and is based on antibodies only. The GUM tests antigens and antibodies to HIV. The cost of these tests is £30 normally, and I think HIV England has funded the self-sampling tests, (where you take a larger sample yourself, send it off and get the results text to you).
We have a project grant to pay for these kits for a specific amount of time. The aim of FLASH is to find out how many sex workers are interested in taking up this option and find out their views. We hope this will help us try to lobby for future funding of this, if you feel it is worthwhile.
Monica (FLASH Coordinator)
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Same here, I got mine yesterday. Would 100% recommend. I’ve never used any kind of home testing kit previously and I’d definitely be inclined to do a bit of research on other home kits after using this. From a convenience point of view where my time is so limited, it’s ideal.
Thanks for recommending the test giving good feedback, it means a lot.
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Hi
I'm trying to promote the offer of free HIV self-testing kits to sex workers, identifying as female (www.flashhivtest.co.uk) . The project is is trans inclusive and translated into 6 languages to improve access for migrant sex workers.
Do you recommend any other means, apart from adverts on sex worker platforms, Twitter@FLASH_Self_Test, FB (FLASH Self-test) & here that I can reach out to more people?.
Thanks,
Monica
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I am Monica the FLASH Coordinator working at Sex Worker Outreach Project at BOP
We are running a project called FLASH - FLexible Alternatives for Self HIV testing) https://flashhivtest.co.uk/ which offers FREE HIV self tests from the site to sex workers, identifying as women
The kits are sent by post within 5 days of order. Small spot of blood gives results in 15 minutes at home.
Confidential, easy, convenient.
We'd like feedback on user's experience of the site and test - an OPTIONAL online survey (£10 Amazon voucher for completion) is embedded in the site or can be completed in paper.
The site is translated into 6 languages to engage those women who are not from the UK.
The project is trans inclusive.
The project will run for another 3-4 months.
We have a Twitter presence (FLASH_Self_Test) and FB (FLASH Self-Test) so follow us, RT and share with others if you can.
If you are happy please share as we'd like to spread the word
Thanks
Monica (FLASH Coordinator)
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I did this test. It was easy and hassle free. Filled in the online questionnaire but never received any Amazon voucher or got contacted to do the telephone questionnaire which I stated I was happy to do also.
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I did this test. It was easy and hassle free. Filled in the online questionnaire but never received any Amazon voucher or got contacted to do the telephone questionnaire which I stated I was happy to do also.
Hi,
I am so sorry that you didn't receive your Amazon voucher. I do check the online survey site each day to arrange Amazon payments. If you would like to contact me at monica.mccusker@brightonoasisproject.co.uk with your email address for payment I can arrange that today.
I haven't contacted the people who will take part in the 1-1 interviews yet. I'll only be able to interview a sample of the people who have applied, so I can't guarantee you will be chosen. I plan to start interviews in late Sept through to Nov time.
I am glad you found it easy and hassle free, good to hear.
Monica
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Hi
We have been running the FLASH website as a pilot to find out what sex workers think of this option of testing for HIV.
We differ from self-sampling by: smaller amount of blood, easier, results in front of you in 15 minutes
We have had around 55 orders since July launch and the summary responses in survey are overwhelmingly positive:
They found the FLASH test:
convenient, easy to use, felt more in control, discrete, confident doing it and aware where to get support with a positive result
We are running this FLASH pilot until December. The more people that trial this method (and give us feedback) the more likely it is we may be able to get funding to extend this service.
So if you can spread the word (here and elsewhere) if you have tried it or not, that would be great.
Surveys are optional, take 5 mins, and can be done online after testing. We offer a £10 Amazon voucher for each one.
The website has been translated into 5 other languages: Spanish, Portuguese, Thai, Romanian and Chinese, so do pass this option on to those whose first language isn't English. Surveys are in these languages too and interpreters available.
Any concerns drop me a line on this thread and I'll respond. My details are on the website too @flashhivetest.co.uk - we are on Twitter too and follow us for updates.
Thanks for any support and thanks for those who have shared their experience on this forum.
Monica
FLASH Coordinator
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Hi there,
Thanks to the 60 sex workers who have tried the FLASH test. Over a 1/3 of you have done the survey (£10 Amazon voucher) and the responses have been overwhelmingly positive, which is great to hear.
I am sure many of you have your regular agency you attend to keep your STI testing up to date. However, I am aware that many women work in areas of the UK less well served by these services.
If you know of anyone who you think might be keen to try this way of testing out, please could you share in your private groups (Whats App, FB) or just by texting the link to them./https://flashhivtest.co.uk/
We hope as many sex workers, identifying as female, as possible are aware of this option for HIV testing.
Offer end at end of Jan 19
Thanks for your support, feedback and sharing.
Monica
monica.mccusker@brightonoasisproject.co.uk
07718 126508
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We have had lots of really good feedback from the women/trans women that have ordered and tried the FLASH HIV test so far.
I know many women found out about FLASH on SAAFE. I really value this space for services like ours (Sex Worker Outreach Project Brighton) to promote the things on offer.
If anyone you know, or reading, this hasn't had an HIV test lately - It's National HIV Testing Week, so order a kit from https://flashhivtest.co.uk/order-your-test/ the kit will be with you in a few days.
Results within 15 minutes of you testing. Small spot of blood.
Convenient, Anonymous, Confidential, Easy, Quick and testing a new services for sex workers.
Kit users have the option to do a survey (to give feedback) for £10 Amazon voucher
And take part in an anonymous telephone interview about your experience for £50 Amazon voucher.
We really value what you think.
Offer runs until Jan 2019.
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Just wanted to add I had a really positive experience using this and done both the online and telephone questionnaire for Amazon vouchers!
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Just wanted to add I had a really positive experience using this and done both the online and telephone questionnaire for Amazon vouchers!
Thanks so much Lucie268 for taking part in the FLASH Project and sharing your experience with the team, via survey & interview, and also recommending to your colleagues on SAAFE.
Means a lot.
Monica
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FLASH UPDATE
We have agreed to extend the FLASH Service (FREE HIV Self-test Kits done at home with immediate results) until the end of March 2019
This has been a great forum for women to hear about this offer, so I really appreciate the comments and sharing you have done to spread the word.
Unfortunately the project is only able to offer one FREE kit per person, but if you know anyone who hasn't tried this, particularly someone who is a long way from sexual health and/or sex worker support services, please share the link with them. https://flashhivtest.co.uk/
We have had nearly 100 kits ordered, from across the UK, since we launched in Jul 2018. We haven't had that many orders from East or West Midlands, Wales, N Ireland or South East area. People from all over UK are welcome to order, but if you know any of your contacts in these areas please let them have the link.
We have had great feedback from the 33 people who have done the survey and much more richer information from the 6 I have interviewed on the phone.
Thanks again for all your support.
Any queries drop me a line here or text (confidentially) on 07718 126508
Monica (FLASH Coordinator)
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I recently used this service and would definitely recommend.Package arrived within days of ordering and very discretely packaged .
It’s very easy to use with clear step by step instructions .And very easy to read results similar to those cheap pregnancy test strips you can buy .
I’ve not had time to complete the survey yet but will do as soon as I can .
Many thanks
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Thanks for the feedback on SAAFE and when you do the survey for FLASH.
I really appreciate hearing such positive experiences on SAAFE, in survey and the interviews.
many thanks!
Monica
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Hi SAAFE Forum,
I am writing the final report for the FLASH project, however we are still running the site until end of March. I'll be using data from the FLASH surveys and interviews and some basic order information, from the website.
Many who did the survey and interviews, said they heard about it on this forum, so I am really grateful for all of those who shared experiences.
Some of the comments on here are really valuable. I wanted to ask your views (especially those that have commented on this thread) about my using these comments anonymously into themes or groupings?
Please let me know your thoughts on this suggestion. I'll respect the feedback.
Thanks
Monica
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Hi Monica, I completed the survey and I have no problem with you using anything I have said on this or any other site. I use my working name on the different sex work forums I am a member of and my website is usually below my name, Gina
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Hi Monica, I completed the survey and I have no problem with you using anything I have said on this or any other site. I use my working name on the different sex work forums I am a member of and my website is usually below my name, Gina
Thanks Gina, great to hear that.
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The FLASH site is still up and running with FREE kits available to sex workers across the UK. https://flashhivtest.co.uk/
We are definitely running it until end of June and we hope it will continue beyond then. Just in planning stages about where next with it.
We have almost completed our evaluation of the FLASH Pilot. Thanks to anyone who took part in this (survey or interviews). Almost 90% of comments were really really positive :D about this service. I was so delighted to read and hear all your comments, and brilliant feedback and ideas.
We are not quite able to share the results as yet. We hope to share it at an HIV and Sexual Health Conference in June (if successful) to raise the profile of this pilot to SH commissioners and providers across the UK. We hope to share a results summary no this site later this year.
A lot of those who took part found out about it from SAAFE - so thanks to you all for sharing your experience and spreading the word!
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:D
We are still giving away free HIV Self Testing kits, to those who haven't used them before.
WE HAVE RESULTS FROM OUR EVALUATION HERE https://flashhivtest.co.uk/ (the stats link)
A huge Thanks to everyone who ordered a kit, gave feedback here or privately to promote, took part in the survey and/or interviews and made the results of FLASH so positive. The results are overwhelmingly positive. I am delighted the pilot went so well and those who tried it, and gave feedback, thought it was a good idea.
Massive Thanks
Monica
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Hi
We still have FLASH self- test kits available for sex workers identifying as female. If you've ordered before you can order again.
If you've not used it before: Results in 15 mins, convenient, easy, simple Order from
https://flashhivtest.co.uk/order-your-test/
Monica
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Hi all,
Just a reminder that FLASH is still offering convenient HIV self-testing kits for sex workers who identify as female! Kits are posted discreetly within 5 days of ordering- results in only 15 minutes. Repeat orders welcome. More information here https://flashhivtest.co.uk/
For more updates follow us on twitter: @FLASH_Self_Test and on Facebook: FLASH Self-Test, any sharing is appreciated greatly :).
Best wishes,
FLASH Project
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Hi all,
This week is National HIV Testing Week, make sure you get a free and confidential HIV test!
People can live with HIV for a long time without any symptoms, testing is the only way to know your HIV status. You can order your own self-testing kit from https://flashhivtest.co.uk/order-your-test/
Remember: anyone diagnosed with HIV in the UK can access free treatment and support. If you have HIV, finding out means that you can start treatment, stay healthy and avoid passing the virus onto anyone else.
Kind regards,
Flash
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Hi all,
Just a reminder that FLASH is still here if you want a free HIV self-testing kit! This project is is trans inclusive and translated into 6 languages to improve access for migrant sex workers.
The BioSure test is 99.7% accurate after 3 months following a potential exposure to HIV. A link to a video showing how to use it is provided with the test. If you have any questions you can email flash@oasisproject.org.uk :)
Best Wishes,
FLASH
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Hi All,
I really hope everyone is staying safe and healthy! This is just a message to let you know that FLASH HIV self testing kits are still available throughout this quarantine period; we are aiming to get them out as soon as possible after they have been ordered. Just order yours here https://flashhivtest.co.uk/
I'm just adding a link to wellbeing top tips, some self-care is really important at the moment- we're in this together! https://adfam.org.uk/files/6-ideas-for-wellbeing.pdf
All the best,
FLASH