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
- 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 ask us any questions and get support about sexual health
- Free condoms & lube (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.
Consent
Consent means getting a person’s permission to do something to, with or for them, before it happens.
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- Something that can be withdrawn at any point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 getting high. Talk about what you feel comfortable with and what to do if anyone stops feeling comfortable or gets too high. If you or a partner begin to feel too high or 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 are high – even if you have taken cannabis 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 chemsex, visit Waverley Care (previously known as SX).
Sex and the law
In the UK, consensual sexual activity is legal between people who are aged 16 and over. If someone is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, their ability to consent may be compromised. Under UK law, a person does not have capacity to consent to sex while under the influence of drugs including alcohol.
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:
- The right sexual partner(s)
- Considering your boundaries, expectations and emotional needs
- Consent – you and any partner(s)
- The use of barrier methods such as condoms or dams, to reduce exposure to sexually transmitted infections
- Using lube to reduce friction or tears, and increase pleasure
- The use of contraception 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 better and safer 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:
- Pregnancy testing (onsite).
- Blood-borne virus (BBV) and STI testing (hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV).
- Waverley Care @ Crew (rapid HIV & syphilis testing) in partnership with Waverley Care – To book a rapid HIV/syphilis testing slot at Crew click here.
- NHS ROAM team @ Crew (rapid HIV & syphilis testing, plus chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing options and info about PreP).
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.
- 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 (known previously as SX)
- 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.
