40 Goodwood Road, New Cross SE14 6BL
Tel: 020 3049 2249
NHS Direct: 0845 4647 (for patients not registered with the Centre or for outside of surgery hours)
This is the closest doctors’ surgery to Goldsmiths, and is the nearest surgery to most halls of residence.
Surgery hours
Monday: 8.30am- 6.30pm
Tuesday: 8.30am-8pm
Wednesday: 8.30am-6.30pm
Thursday: 8.30am-6.30pm
Friday: 8.30am-6.30pm
Saturday: SELDOC* COVER
Sunday: SELDOC* COVER
(*SELDOC is a co-operative of local GPs on-call service, outside of surgery hours 020 8693 9066.)
You can visit the NHS Walk-in Centre which is at the Waldron Health Centre, Stanley Street , London, SE8 4BG. The service is open from 8am-8pm Monday to Saturday. Staff at the Walk-in Centre can offer professional health advice and treatment. You can walk in or call 020 3049 2370 to make an appointment.
The Centre offers a wide range of services including:
• examinations and treatment
• advice on health problems
• prescriptions for medicines
• muscular aches and sprains
• mental health issues
• contraceptive services
• stopping smoking
• minor ailments
The services are available to everyone whether you’re registered with a GP or not.
The Metro Centre Ltd was set up in 1984 in response to the Greater London Council’s Lesbian & Gay Charter of 1983 - ‘Changing the World’.
Originally operating under the name The Greenwich Lesbian and Gay Centre and providing telephone advice and support groups, The Metro Centre wasn’t born until 1994, when it broadened its remit to become a charity working in partnership with statutory and voluntary organisations serving lesbians, gay men, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) people and those questioning their sexuality.
Over the next decade and beyond, The Metro Centre grew to provide services beyond Greenwich, and across South East London, until eventually it began working not only across the whole of London, but nationally and internationally.
In early 2008, the membership of The Metro Centre once again agreed to amend its Constitution to ensure that it provided services to all people experiencing issues related to sexuality, identity, gender and diversity. However, The Metro Centre remains at its core a local charity dedicated to supporting LGBT people, with firm anchors in Greenwich, and crucial, long-term and ongoing support from both the Greenwich Teaching Primary Care Trust and the London Borough of Greenwich.
From its inception, The Metro Centre has taken a holistic approach to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered health and well-being and continues to acknowledge that our ability to create supportive environments for LGBT people depends not only on our strengths as an organisation, but also on our capacity to build alliances and partnerships that empower all people who confront discrimination because of their sexuality, gender, identity or HIV status.
The Metro Centre - Greenwich
Norman House
110-114 Norman Rd
SE10 9QJ
Tel: 020 8305 5000
Fax: 020 8305 5001
Email: info@metrocentreonline.org
What types of contraception are there?
There are 15 different types of contraception, plus 2 permanent types of contraception. For more information on the different types of contraception visit theNHSwebsite.
Where can I get contraception from?
You can get a range of contraception from the SU. We have condoms (Original, king size, Latex free, feather light, flavoured) all including lubricant, Femadoms (Latex and Latex free), Dental dams (flavoured and latex free).
You can also get other types of contraception from your GP, The Waldron Centre which is a NHS walk-in clinic (listed above).
Condoms can be purchased from supermarkets, chemists and online retailers such as MyCondom.
Have I got an STI?
Symptoms
Many people don’t notice symptoms when they have an STI, including most women with chlamydia. If it’s left untreated, chlamydia can affect your ability to get pregnant. Around 50% of women and 10% of men with gonorrhoea don’t have symptoms. If you have had unprotected sex, get tested.
If you have any of the symptoms listed below, get tested.
In women and men:
Pain when you pass urine (pee).
Itching, burning or tingling around the genitals.
Blisters, sores, spots or lumps around the genitals or anus.
Black powder or tiny white dots in your underwear (this could be droppings or eggs from pubic lice).
In women:
Yellow or green vaginal discharge.
Discharge that smells.
Bleeding between periods or after sex.
Pain during sex.
Lower abdominal pain.
In men:
Discharge from the penis.
Irritation of the urethra (the tube where urine comes out).
These symptoms don’t necessarily mean that you have an STI, but it’s worth seeing a doctor so that you can find out what’s causing the symptoms, and treat it. For example, it’s possible to get thrush without having sex, but it can cause STI-like symptoms, such as soreness, itching and discharge. Thrush is easily treated.
Where can I get tested?
You can get tested at:
some GP surgeries,
a sexual health clinic or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic,
some community contraceptive clinics (Find contraceptive services), and
some young people’s services (call 0800 567123).
Some pharmacies can test for chlamydia.
Checkurself is an NHS service offering Chlamydia screening to men and women under 25 years old living in London. The kit you will receive will be the same one used at your local Reproductive & Sexual Health Clinic. Because we are part of the NHS, your kit and any treatment you may need will be completely FREE. You don’t even have to pay to post your sample back to them. To get your test please visit the CheckUrself Website
Finding your nearest sexual health service
You can look up Sexual health in the phone book, or call the fpa helpline on 0845 122 8690.
You can also use the service search. Enter your postcode in the box, click Search, then click Sexual health/STI testing.
Find out where you can get a free chlamydia test under the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (under-25s only). Sometimes the SU will have STI testing. Please email or call the SU Welfare and Education Officer.
Who can I talk to about sexual health?
If you have questions about sex, it is good to talk to someone who can give you accurate advice based on up to date research and evidence.
Various clinics and health professionals offer confidential and accurate information about sex, safer sex, contraception, pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You can talk to:
your GP or nurse
your midwife or health visitor
a community contraceptive clinic
a sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic
a pharmacist
Here are some online services and helplines for organisations that give information and support.
Brook
www.brook.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 802 1234
Confidential advice for under 25s. You can also email your questions to Brook.
Contact a Family
www.cafamily.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 808 3555
Information and advice on all aspects of caring for a disabled child.
FPA
www.fpa.org.uk
Helpline: 0845 122 8690
The sexual health charity providing free information and advice to everyone. You can also email your questions to FPA’s Ask WES service.
Lesbian and gay switchboard
www.llgs.org.uk
Helpline: 020 7837 7324
Information, support and referral service for lesbians, gay men, bisexual or transgender people.
Relate
www.relate.org.uk
Information line: 0300 100 1234 (a trained consultant will point you towards the help you need)
Relationships support for people of all ages, including counselling for individuals, couples, children and young people, families and sex therapy.
Sexual Health Line
Helpline: 0800 567123
Free confidential information and advice on sexual health.
Terrence Higgins Trust
www.tht.org.uk
Helpline: 0845 122 1200
Information, support and advice on HIV and sexual health. You can also email your questions to THT.
Talking about sex with someone you are about to have sex with
It’s really important that you talk about sex (more importantly safe sex and STI’s) with whoever you are planning to have sex with, whether it is a long term partner or someone that you have just met. Visit the NHS website for tips on how to talk to a partner about sex.
Different sexual activities and their risks
There are many ways to have an active and fulfilling sex life, but a number of these activities put you at risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). For more information on the risks of different/varied sexual activities visit the NHS website.
Transgender Health
Gender in our society is split into masculine and feminine, and it is society – the people around us – that decides men and women should behave a certain way. Everyone has a gender identity, and this is separate and different from a person’s sexuality. When people are described as transgender this suggests someone who feels that some aspect of the sex and gender they were born with does not fit who they feel they really are.
Feeling uncomfortable or confused about your identity can affect your mental wellbeing in many ways. Trans people often feel isolated, and find it difficult to talk to others about how they feel. They can also face discrimination and harassment. This can affect their personal relationships, their ability to obtain housing and health care, their employment opportunities and their safety.
Visit the NHS website for information on the following:
* Coming out as trans
* Teenagers and gender identity
* Mental health issues for trans people
Support
Transsexual UK
Trans Gender Zone
Press For Change
The Beaumont Society
The Gender Trust
Gay/Bi/Men who sleep with men sexual health
Like the rest of the population, gay men are at risk from sexually transmitted diseases. For young gay men there may be particular problems with trying to practice safer sex. Some young gay men may not feel secure about obtaining or using extra strong condoms for anal sex because if they are seen purchasing or in possession of them it might ‘out’ them. They also rarely have the benefit of sex education in school in which sexual behaviour between same-sex partners is discussed. This can make it very hard for young gay men to feel comfortable about negotiating safer sex.
Lesbian/Bi/Women who sleep with women
Unfortunately it is often mistakenly assumed that women who have sex with other women cannot contract sexually transmitted diseases. This is because it is assumed that women do not exchange fluids during sex. It is sometimes thought that sex between women does not really constitute sex at all and therefore does not pose a risk to either party. This is not the case. Women can, and do, exchange fluids, and engage in sexual activity that can have consequences for a woman’s health.
The lack of visibility and acknowledgement of lesbian sexuality can affect whether a woman feels able to discuss her relationship, or concerns about her relationships or sexual activity, with a health care professional. Many lesbian and bisexual women feel unable to be open about their sexual orientation with their doctor or local health care provider. Stonewall’s lesbian health survey found that sadly half of lesbian and bisexual women are not out to their GP. This means that lesbian and bisexual women often do not get the right or accurate information about how to practice safe sex.
* Click here to download the NHS leaflet on sexual health for women who have sex with women
* Click here to download Beating about the Bush, the Lesbian and Gay Foundation’s sexual health guide for women who have sex with women
* Click here to download Thanks for the Mammaries, the Lesbian and Gay Foundation’s booklet on breast health.
Support
* The Gay Men’s Health Charity
* The Terence Higgins Trust
* Stonewall
* The Lesbian & Gay Foundation
Types of Mental Health Issues
Mental health is a very wide topic, and it would take a lot of web-pages to cover all of the conditions and issues it involves. This page contains some information on mental health issues and topics that can be common amongst students. Information on further conditions and topics can be found on the website for ‘Mind’ – “the leading mental health charity in England and Wales”.
Anxiety and Panic
Everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their life, whether it be because you are moving out for the first time, or about to take an exam. Feeling anxious is natural, and some people can use anxiety to motivate themselves, but with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety can affect day-to-day life, and can cause anxiety in a wide range of situations, as opposed to a specific event.
For more information from the NHS on Panic disorder.
Support
www.nomorepanic.co.uk
www.anxietynomore.co.uk
www.nopanic.org.uk
Depression
According to the NHS: About 15% of people will have a bout of severe depression at some point in their lives. However, the exact number of people with depression is hard to estimate because many people do not get help, or are not formally diagnosed with the condition When you’re depressed, you may have feelings of extreme sadness that can last for a long time. These feelings are severe enough to interfere with your daily life, and can last for weeks or months, rather than days.
For more information from the NHS on Depression.
Support
www.studentdepression.org
www.depressionalliance.org
Drugs and Alcohol
A lot of people use drugs and alcohol, to relax, get ‘high’, or temporarily ‘forget’ about situations or feelings they’d rather not think about. As drugs and alcohol can affect the way we think and feel – i.e. exaggerating positives feelings or worsening negative feelings – an addiction to drugs and alcohol is often seen as a mental health problem. If drugs or alcohol make you feel worse, you should reconsider whether you should consume them or not.
For more information from the NHS on Drug and Alcohol misuse
Support
www.addictionadvisor.co.uk
www.talktofrank.com
Eating Disorders
As the NHS states, Eating disorders are common, yet often go unnoticed, undiagnosed or untreated. There are many myths about eating disorders, the most popular being that they only affect young women and can be easily dealt with. Eating disorders are often blamed on the social pressure to be thin, as young people in particular feel they should look a certain way. However, the causes are usually more complex, and may reflect underlying mental or psychological issues.
More information from the NHS on Eating Disorders
Support
www.b-eat.co.uk
www.something-fishy.org
www.eating-disorders.org.uk
Money Matters
Struggling to keep control of income and expenditure can affect mental health, as financial worries can lead to anxiety or depression. Additionally, having a mental health problem can affect your finances; if you are unwell, you may neglect, or be unable to pay your bills, and then face financial problems once you recover.
More information on the links between Mental Health and Money Matters
Self-injury
Self-injury – also referred to as self-harm, SI or self-mutilation – is when someone deliberately causes harm or injury to their body, without the aid of another person. It is estimated that 1 in 100 people self harm, and they do so to express deep emotional feelings or problems that build up inside.
More information from the NHS on Self-Injury/Self-Harm
Support
www.harmless.org.uk
Stress (Exam and General)
Stress is what you feel when pressure is placed upon you. In small amounts, some people can use pressure for motivation, but prolonged periods of pressure can lead to stress. The NHS say that in the UK, anxiety and depression are the most common mental health problems, and the majority of cases are caused by stress. For students, essays and exams can cause stress.
More information from the NHS on Stress (Exam-related and General)
Personal and possession safety is always an important issue for everyone to consider. There are many things you can do to stay safe, and the downloadable guide at the bottom of the page is
designed to give you useful tips and a base of helpful contacts. Some of
the information may seem like common sense, but it is useful to know.
Like with any big city, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and to trust your instincts. Remember a few basic safety tips:
Try to let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return, avoid walking alone late at night, be careful at cash points, don’t show off expensive possessions, get your possessions insured and know where to go if anything does happen.
More tips for staying safe:
Stick to the main roads at night and try to stay in areas that you know well.
Try and avoid parks, alleys or short cuts late at night, particularly if travelling alone.
Don’t talk to strangers, especially if they are trying to offer you something or are asking for money. This includes people selling travel cards or tickets in or around stations.
If traveling on night buses you may feel safer if you sit downstairs.
Night buses run regularly and serve New Cross and the surrounding areas well. You can find out times and routes for all buses, including night buses, from the Transport for London (TfL) website, www.tfl.gov.uk.
Don’t take unlicensed taxis. If you have to use a taxi then try and use a mini-cab company or a black cab. For the telephone number of a licensed local taxi firm, text ‘HOME’ to 60835. The service, provided by Cabwise and endorsed by TfL, can be used anywhere in London, 24 hours a day.
Drunk people can make easy targets, so try to ensure that you sober up before travelling home, especially if you’re travelling alone.
Don’t have money or expensive items (phones, iPods, laptops etc) on show when you are out and about. If people don’t know you have them on you, you have less chance of making yourself a target from crime.
Using personal stereo equipment such as iPods may leave you less aware of what is going on around you, if you are traveling home alone late at night this may make you more susceptible.
Keep your valuables in your room and make sure they can’t be seen through windows, especially if you’re on the ground floor.
Make sure your home is secure at all times, locking windows and doors before you go out or go to bed. Pull your curtains after dark to discourage people from peering in.
Don’t prop doors open or give access to your house, flat or hall of residence by holding the door open to let people in as you leave; they may not belong there.
Don’t leave keys outside under doormats, or inside within easy reach of doors, windows or letterboxes. Avoid giving your keys to anybody else – it can put you at risk and may also compromise other people’s safety.
If you live in rented accommodation make sure it’s fitted with a working smoke alarm, and test it regularly.
How can the SU help you to improve your safety
We often run a Nightbus service from the SU to SE4 and SE14.
You get a UV pen from the SU to mark all your property with, police will be able to trace your stuff more easily this way. (Please ask at SU reception).
You can also get an attack alarm from the SU, this is an alarm you can set off to get attention when either you or someone around you is in danger.
We will be organising personal safety/self defence sessions please look at the events page to see if there are any sessions coming up.
Useful contact details
Dial 999 in an emergency, if you are ever in any doubt or concerned for your safety – it doesn’t matter if it turns out to be a false alarm.
If it is not an emergency, contact your local police station. If you’re based in New Cross you should contact Catford police station on 020 8297 1212 (24 hours).
Halls Security can be contacted on 020 7919 7192.
For other areas of College, Security can be reached on 020 7919 7105 (or by dialling 7105 on an internal Goldsmiths telephone).
In case of an emergency (ICE)
A UK-wide initiative called ICE has been launched to encourage people to store their next-of-kin details in their mobile phone, to help the emergency services in the event of an incident. Store your next of kin’s contact name and number in your mobile phone book, prefixed with ICE.
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