News From The Eddystone Trust

Coronavirus guidance on hooking up for sex

Current lockdown restrictions from the government states that individuals shouldn't be having sexual contact with anyone outside of your household or support bubble. We know that this is easier for some people than others. If you are continuing to hook up for sex with those outside of your bubble there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of COVID transmission.

Our friends over at PrEPSTER have put together some hints and tips for hooking up whilst trying to reduce the opportunity for COVID transmission. Have a read of these here: COVID-19 tips & tricks: Hooking up hints | Prepster

Whereas we fully support the current public health guidelines in relation to staying at home, we recognise that some people are struggling to keep to these. We are continuing to offer confidential, non-judgemental advice and support around HIV and sexual health.

Please do not hesitate to approach us for the support you need, we won't ask questions about where the sex occurred and who it was with (unless it is helpful for your concern), we will just ensure you get the advice you need.

Contact us on 0800 328 3508 or info@eddystone.org.uk

National HIV Testing Week 2021

The Eddystone Trust are now urging people across the South West to find out their HIV status as we are supporting National HIV Testing Week, which runs from Monday 1^st February to Sunday 7^th February,

This year there is a focus on HIV testing at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdown has meant that most people have had fewer sexual partners, if any at all, and now is the perfect time to be sure you know your HIV status. The week encourages people to have a free, quick and confidential HIV test, particularly those in groups most affected by HIV, including gay and bisexual men and black African men and women.

James Mead, Development Lead for Prevention at The Eddystone Trust, said:

‘Testing from home is the safest option for us all. You can order a FREE HIV self-test kit straight to your door, equipped with detail instructions on how to use. Getting tested regularly should be something we’re all doing in order to protect ourselves.

‘If you test positive, effective treatment means you can live as long as anyone else, and when the amount of the virus in your blood is reduced to undetectable levels, this means you cannot pass on HIV. Testing puts you in control and isn’t something to be afraid of.’

Self-testing kits can be ordered during HIV Testing Week by visiting the following link http://bit.ly/3qz6gPR

If you wanted to discuss HIV with us then you can also reach out to us on info@eddystone.org.uk or by telephoning 0800 328 3508

Coronavirus Vaccine and HIV - what you need to know

Now that the coronavirus vaccines are being rolled out The Eddystone Trust is being asked whether or not the vaccine is safe for people who are living with HIV. The short answer to the question is.  ..

YES - it is widely thought within the scientific community that the coronavirus vaccine is safe for people living with HIV 

 Although people living with HIV were ommitted from initial clinical trials, studies have now begun involving HIV + groups and the early signs are that the vaccine is safe to be administered within these groups.  

The British HIV Association has said the following:

“There is no reason to think these vaccines will be less safe for people with HIV. Both include some of the genetic material from SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) but not the whole virus. This means they are not live vaccines and so are no less safe in people with damaged immune systems.”   We continue to keep an eye out for more data on the subject and will post results online as and when they are published 

Link to guidance:

https://www.bhiva.org/SARS-CoV-2-vaccine-advice-for-adults-living-with-HIV-plain-english-version

The Eddystone Trust During Lockdown 3.0

We just wanted to let you all know that we are still operating during the lockdown that was announced on January 5th 2021. We are constantly looking at how we can offer our services during the pandemic and how we respond to the need across the South West.

If you have any questions or feel the need to reach out to us about your sexual health then you can call us on 0800 328 3508 or email us info@eddystone.org.uk. We will aim to repsond to all enquiries within 24 hours.

Condoms for Lockdown Devon & Torbay

If you live in Devon or Torbay and you need access to condoms you can now order securely online and have them delivered free to your home in a plain package.

You can still get free condoms in the usual venues, however in response to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, using our online ordering form will ensure you can get what you need to wrap up safely.

The campaign will run during the current lock down which came into place on the 5^th January 2021 and will be restricted to 4 deliveries per person and only available to residents aged 18 and over.

Just fill out the form below (including the Google Captcha form when you hit submit) and we will process your order within 3 working days of receiving it. Your pack will arrive with your regular post.

Long Time No Syphilis Campaign Extended

The Long Time No Syphilis campaign that have been promoting was due to finish in December, however Prepster have received additional funding to continue with the campaign. As a result we will therefore continue to be promoting Long Time No Syphilis within Plymouth until March.

About the campaign

Did you know that syphilis is on the increase? The number of people in the UK diagnosed with syphilis has more than doubled since 2012.

Many of us haven't heard about syphilis, or know little about it. We think of it as something that was common in the 1970s and has gone away. But syphilis is back – and it's back in a big way!!!

If it’s left untreated, syphilis can have serious implications on our health. In its later stages, it can cause serious and potentially life-threatening problems.

Testing for syphilis is free and easy in the UK, but many people with syphilis don't know they have it. Treating syphilis means that it can't be passed on to sexual partners.

If you are based in the Plymouth area you can order a home test kit as part of the "Long Time No Syphilis"campaign now at

CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR TEST

If you're concerned or want more information then feel free to contact us with any questions on:

info@eddystone.org.uk