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)

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.