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Anyone aged 12 years or over who wants to chat in confidence can do so at our Drop-In Service – a trained member of staff is always happy to answer any questions you have or information you’re looking for. Crew Drop-In is available at 32 Cockburn St Edinburgh EH1 1PB and also via our Digital Drop-in on:
- Text chat: 07860047501
- Email: dropin@crew2000.org.uk
- Instagram (direct messaging): @Crew_2000
The Drop-In opens 1-5pm Mondays to Saturdays, except 3-7pm Thursdays, closed Sundays.
As well as drugs harm reduction information and support we also provide:
- A confidential space to chat
- Free condoms & lube via NHS C:card
- Free blood-borne virus and STI testing options
- Free pregnancy testing
- Free period products for anyone who menstruates
- Signposting to other services.
Sex
People define sex in different ways. Sex looks and feels different to everyone – it can be exciting, pleasurable and empowering. But it can also be daunting, nerve-wracking or bring up unexpected emotions. You may not necessarily have sex in your relationship(s), but if you are choosing to have sex or be intimate, then check in with how you are feeling.
Consent
Consent is about getting a person’s permission before doing something to, with or for them.
It is also…
- An agreement that lasts only as long as everyone involved wants it to
- Something that can be withdrawn at any point
- Requires everyone involved to fully agree every time it happens
- Involves accepting and respecting a person’s wish not to take part or to stop the activity
For all intimate or sexual activity, it is important that we always seek enthusiastic consent – where everyone involved is happy and keen to take part (regardless of whether a relationship is established or casual).People also need to know exactly what they are agreeing to. Good sex and consent go hand in hand. Some people might think asking for consent is awkward or likely to ‘ruin the moment’ but it actually makes sex more pleasurable! Any kind of sexual activity without consent is illegal and may count as harassment, assault or rape. Find out more about consent, the law and getting support in our consent resource here.
Sex and drugs?
Chat with the person you are with about sex and consent before taking drugs. Talk about what you feel comfortable with and what to do if anyone stops feeling comfortable i.e. the boundaries shift during and you no longer want to do something. If you or a partner begin to feel uncomfortable in any way – stop. It happens and the best way to respond to the situation is through communication. Sex can feel different when you have taken drugs (including alcohol) – even if you have taken drugs and had sex before- your body and your brain might respond differently this time. Feelings, good or bad, can be intensified. Take time to check in with yourself and any partners.
Before taking any drug, do your research. Visit our drugs information page for harm reduction advice.
For information on sexual health and drugs, visit Waverley Care. There is also further evidence-based harm reduction information on drugs and sex on Sidekicks.
Sex and the law
In the UK, the legal age of consent is 16 and over.
If someone is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, their ability to consent may be compromised. Under UK law, if a person is deemed as too intoxicated -or has difficulty remembering giving clear consent- it may be determined that they did not have capacity to consent to sex at the time.
Anyone who has been affected by any kind of assault or abusive sexual experience can contact Rape Crisis.
Not sure about an experience you have had? It is a good idea to talk to someone you trust or contact Rape Crisis to chat.
Safer sex
Safer sex helps you to stay physically and emotionally well. Safer sex involves a whole range of things including:
- Sexual partner(s) who are safe and respect your wishes
- Considering your boundaries, expectations and emotional needs
- Consent – you and any partner(s)
- Access to ‘barrier’ methods like condoms or dams, to reduce sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or offer a non-hormonal method of choice around pregnancy
- Using lube to reduce friction or tears and increase pleasure
- Access to various contraception choices such as the contraceptive pill, implant, injection or IUD (intrauterine device)
- Researching any practices or communities you want to take part in
- Chatting to someone you trust about your choices. This could be a friend, counsellor or a sexual health service, including us here at Crew! It can take a while to find the right condoms for you. There is a wide range including latex free, internal condoms, and different sizes, textures and materials. The better your condom fits, the safer and more pleasurable the experience. It’s a good idea to try different types until you find the one that works best for you. We have a range of free condoms, no questions asked: you can also order condoms online at C:Card postal service. Not sure what kind of contraception might work for you? Brook has helpful contraception information on their website to help you decide. Remember that contraception can prevent pregnancy but (apart from condoms and internal condoms) it cannot protect from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or HPV (human papillomavirus).
Testing and treatment
At Crew we offer:
- Free pregnancy testing (onsite and takeaway, for people under 26 years)
- Free rapid HIV and syphilis testing (Waverley Care @ Crew), results in 15mins! Every fortnight Thursdays 5-7pm in partnership with Waverley Care – To book a rapid testing slot at Crew click here.
- Free rapid HIV, syphilis testing, chlamydia & gonorrhoea testing & PreP assessment (NHS ROAM team @ Crew) Every first Friday of the month 10am-12pm (walk-in only).
To see our most current times and service options, see our Accessing Testing page.
Lothian Sexual Health Services (www.lothiansexualhealth.scot) offer a variety of services including:
- Healthy Respect + for people aged 13-18 years – the Young Person’s Drop-in at Chalmers Health Centre opens Monday to Thursday 3.30pm – 7pm, and Friday from 1pm – 3.30pm: click here for information and booking links. This page also lists information for clinics in Mid, East and West Lothian.
- For people 18 years and over call Lothian Sexual Health on 0131 536 1070 for information or to make a booking; you can also book online. Services includes smear tests and STI treatment.
- Trans and Non-binary Sexual Health clinic is a drop-in clinic at LGBT Health and Wellbeing, in the Duncan Place Community Resource Hub. Open 1pm-4pm. The first clinic date will be Thursday 17th October, 1pm-4pm; thereafter, Thursday 31st October; and fortnightly Thursdays from then on.
- Specialist services including gynaecology appointments, Women-only services, and psychosexual therapy – check here for information.
- Local clinics – check here for updates.
- STI ‘Self Sampling’ Kits are available from NHS Lothian to order for free online. Get more information about STI Self Sampling Kits here.
Waverley Care
- Waverley Care have several inclusive rapid HIV & syphilis testing options in Edinburgh and across Scotland, with particular support for gay and bisexual men: click here for their Testing Options information.
HIV Self Testing Kits (postal service)
- HIV Self-Test Scotland provides free access to HIV self-testing kits to anyone living in Scotland. HIV self-testing kits are delivered by post, in discreet packaging, allowing you the freedom to test at a time and place that suits you.
