As we continue to celebrate Pride month, we are sharing information to encourage Londoners across the capital to get the help they need to look after their physical and mental health.
Every person’s health is important and regardless of how they identify, their physical and mental health deserves to be looked after. Although we can all struggle with our mental health, statistics often tell us that mental health problems are prevalent among people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, or asexual (LGBTQIA+). Being LGBQTIA+ does not cause mental health problems, however the pressures and challenges people sadly experience such as homophobia, transphobia, discrimination and stigma may can contribute to worsening mental wellbeing.
Concerns around stigma and acceptance may also prevent a person from seeking advice or attending screenings if they are concerned about their sexual health. Taking care of your sexual health helps keep you and your sexual partners safe.
Supporting mental wellbeing
Many Londoners may be struggling with their mental wellbeing, especially due to the increased cost-of-living pressures and the impact of a challenging winter and spring period. We know that when times are tough, it’s important that we look after our health and wellbeing.
Young Londoners may encounter different attitudes and experiences impacting how or when they choose to come ‘out’. Our schools mental health toolkit, developed with the Greater London Authority, offers young people a directory of resources on mental health in relation to LGBTQIA+ topics and experiences. Our team has also curated a page of diverse and representative media with recommendations of books, TV shows, films and podcasts which represent LGBTQIA+ communities and experiences.
Good Thinking offers all Londoners free, NHS-approved digital resources to look after their mental health and wellbeing in a way that works for them. Since its launch in 2017, over 730,000 people have used the service to tackle anxiety, stress, low mood, sleep problems and other mental health concerns. Good Thinking resources are created by Londoners, for Londoners – the service works with communities, organisations and charities across the city to create tailored, impactful support, including personal stories from Londoners about their own mental health experiences. This Pride month, third year LSBU student Michael shares his experience of starting university as a Black Queer student.
Getting Through This Together is a collective campaign from Thrive LDN which aims to encourage Londoners to strengthen their social networks with family members and friends, and trusted others in their community, as well as highlighting the professional support and advice services which are available.
Sexual health awareness
It is also important for all Londoners to prioritise their sexual and reproductive health following recent rises in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including shigella, gonorrhoea and syphilis this year. STI testing is an important part of taking care of your sexual health and keeping you and your sexual partners safe. You should test for STIs regularly as it is important to make sure they are diagnosed and treated as early as possible to prevent them from causing long term health complications.
Leading up the annual Pride London parade, London’s HIV prevention programme, Fast-Track Cities London is reminding Londoners that if you have HIV and you’re on treatment, you can’t pass it on. London is on track to be the first city in the world to end new cases of HIV, stop preventable deaths, end HIV related stigma and improve quality of life by 2030. Find out more about Fast-Track Cities London.
This year, the team and partners are also raising awareness around broader sexual health awareness and are sharing information about accessible testing services, the importance of regular check-ups, and promoting safe sex practices such as consistent condom use and open communication with sexual partners. The campaign highlights the importance of destigmatising conversations around sexual health, creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all individuals. These screenings play a vital role in early detection, prompt treatment, and preventing the spread of infections within the community.
Sexual Health London offers a free STI testing service across most of London. Simply register with SHL.UK and complete an online consultation to order your free STI test kit. For more advice on sexual and reproductive health, visit the NHS website.
Further information and support can also be found at:
We hope this blog post is a helpful resource and wish a happy Pride month to everyone celebrating in London.