London Friend promotes health and well-being for LGBTIQ people providing group & individual support. They also run Antidote, the LGBTIQ drug & alcohol project. They have recently updated their website to reflect the current situation around social distancing and lockdown and offer advice, suggestions and support. They say:
The Corona Virus pandemic has created an unprecedented situation in our social lives. The Government has issued guidance that we should stay at home to protect ourselves, the NHS, and others.
It is important this this is adhered to in relation to chemsex and other sexual activities.
Put simply – stay at home, have a wank.
Please remember that we are still delivering our services remotely, and you can contact us via email at antidote@londonfriend.org.uk and one of the team will get back to you. We can currently offer support via email, phone or online video.
You can read their full advice and helpline suggestions here
Firstly of course we advise that you do not engage in any chemsex hook ups, be that one to one or in a group setting, so that you limit the risk to yourself and others in terms of contracting or passing on the virus.
We have also heard reports of arrests in Europe of groups of queer men who have ignored government advice on social distancing, and have got together for chemsex parties.
If you are living with your partner, or if you do choose to hook up, Terrence Higgins Trust, Prepster and BASHH have produced information regarding sex and Covid-19.
Take a break
This enforced period of social distancing offers opportunities to take a break from drug use. You can find information for making goals and dealing with cravings on our Antidote home care pages.
If you are currently dependent on GHB/GBL (using the drug on a daily basis) it is important you seek advice before suddenly stopping as withdrawals can be dangerous.
We’ve provided suggestions below for alternative activities to chems that you can access during lockdown.
If you are still choosing to engage in chemsex activities at this time and are meeting others for sex, then please be aware of the following:
Sexual health services are working at reduced capacity and are only seeing patients in an emergency or urgent cases.
If you require PEP treatment then you should contact your local sexual health service for an emergency appointment.
If you are currently taking PReP, and are engaging in sexual activity then you should continue with this. Further information regarding PReP can be found on the Prepster website.
If you require STI testing then Sexual Health London are able to arrange home testing for you online.
Further advice on chemsex and sexual health can be found here
They have also provided a full list of other support groups or agencies who can deal with chemsex issues, mental health suport or provide diversions.
Galop have a list of Community links to LGBT+ organisations and online forums.
LGBTribe offers peer to peer online support for the LGBT+ community.
Outlife have various LGBT+ forums that you may interest you, and to help you keep connected to others.
Black Out UK offers online resources to support BAME community.
+Pals, a social group for gay and bisexual men who are living with HIV in London, are currently offering phone/online support.
The Trans Network London lists various Trans organisations is London, some of which are offering online support.
As well as offering constant contact with family & friends, Facebook also has numerous interest groups and daily live events that may be of interest to you.
Netflix has so much to watch including lots of LGBT+ related content.
BBC iPlayer has all BBC content that has been on the BBC channels.
Youtube are currently streaming lots of online quizzes and interest themed events.
Instagram are streaming daily quizzes live, as well as other specific interest themed events.
Time out online have a new section titled ‘Time in’ with listings of the best things to do at home.
The National Theatre are offering free live streamed plays every Thursday via youtube.
The British Film Institute are offering a 14 day free trial of their BFIplayer.
The Apple App store have lots of fitness apps to support you in exercising at home.
Zoom is an online video platform, to help you keep connected to family & friends, and offers group facilities.