Sexual Health Centre Ltd.
The Sexual Health Centre is a Not-for-Profit, Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that was established in July 1987 as Cork AIDS Alliance. We provide high quality, professional and inclusive services on relationships, wellbeing, HIV and sexual health. We aim to remove barriers to support services and make screening and reproductive health support opportunities more accessible to the people of Cork.
Member Q&A
What is your goal?
Our mission is to always provide the most up-to-date and comprehensive information regarding the topics of sexual health, wellbeing and sexuality, to offer a safe space for individuals to express their concerns without fear, to get non-biased answers to their most intimate questions, to normalise the perception of sexual health and sexuality and to facilitate a nation-wide acceptance of positive sexual health and sexuality as an integral part of life. Our vision is for a future where sexual health is recognised as an integral part of life, barriers to accessing sexual health services are removed, social stigma and discrimination are eliminated, each individual feels safe to express their sexuality, and people can make informed decisions regarding their sexual wellbeing whilst treating each other’s life choices with the utmost respect.
Our core values are:
- Dignity: Each individual is treated with dignity and respect.
- Confidentiality: All clients of the Sexual Health Centre have a right to confidentiality. The exception are cases where there is a risk of harm to the person or others or where there is a child protection concern.
- Accessibility: All the provided services are available to anyone. Without exception.
- Safe space: We know that without openness there can be no trust. That is why, we go out of our way to provide the space where clients can feel safe and comfortable to share their most intimate thoughts and fears, knowing that they will be met with understanding and respect.
- Non-biased: We are all different, so there can be no “norm”. We treat every concern individually and provide our clients with the most up-to-date and non-biased information allowing them to make their own, informed decisions.
- Everyday: We believe that sexual health is a part of all of our lives. While we are there for people in the most difficult situations, we provide the day-to-day support and aim to remove the equivalency between sexual health and a problem.
- Going all the way: We don’t abandon our clients when their “issue” is “resolved”. Whatever the problem, we are there for them throughout the journey and provide continuous support.
- Partnership: We believe that by working together we can overcome any obstacles. Our team is always in sync, united by common goals, and we welcome any support from other organisations, individuals, and public bodies as it can bring us one step closer to realizing our vision.
- Transparency: The Sexual Health Centre is accountable for funds, actions, and decisions. The disclosed financial information can be found on the website.
- Quality: We commit to continuous improvement and development, providing services that reflect actual clients’ needs, and offering the best support and the most up-to-date information possible.
How have you been working towards it?
At the Sexual Health Centre, we provide a wide range of professional services, including STI advice; sexual health workshops; support for marginalised groups, sex workers, people with intellectual disabilities, members of the LGBTI+ community and people living with HIV; one-on-one counselling regarding HIV, crisis pregnancy and post-termination issues; rapid HIV testing and pregnancy testing; free condom provision and a free national mail-out service; a dedicated free condom provision service tailored to the needs of sex workers; professional training; Sex and Love Therapy (SALT) for people with concerns in relation to problematic sexualised behaviour; and a range of online resources, including information campaigns.
How has being a member of The Wheel helped?
The Wheel has been an excellent support to the Sexual Health Centre, through its helpful resources and trainings.
How can people support you?
People can support the organisation by promoting conversation around sexual health issues and the importance of sexual health services. For example, telling a friend about a piece of news from our website, or supporting and sharing our social media updates.
Where can people find you on social media?
Website: www.sexualhealthcentre.com
Facebook: BeSexyStayHealthy
Twitter: @SHC_Cork
Instagram: shc_cork
LinkedIn: The Sexual Health Centre
