Community Testing

The Rainbow Project, in partnership with the Royal GUM clinic have organised free, confidential sexual health testing and support clinics at the Pipeworks, Outside and Cage saunas and The Rainbow Project’s offices at the LGBT Centre.

The clinics operate a drop-in service – no appointment is necessary.  FREE ADMISSION to the sauna for all who get a sexual health check-up on the following dates:

  • Pipeworks Sauna
    Tuesday 27th March 2012 5.30 pm to 8.00 pm drop in service
    Tuesday 29th May 2012 5.30 pm to 8.00 pm drop in service
  • Outside Sauna
    Tuesday 28th February 2012 5.30 pm to 8.00 pm drop in service
    Tuesday 24th April 2012 5.30 pm to 8.00 pm drop in service
  • LGBT Centre
    Tuesday 24th January 2012 5.30 pm to 8.00 pm drop in service
  • Cage Sauna
    Thursday 8th March 2012 5.30 pm to 8.00 pm drop in service

The Pipeworks Sauna is located at 2-6 Union Street, just beside Union Street Bar. Outside Sauna is located just off Donegal Street at 1-5 Donegal Lane. The LGBT Centre is located at 1st Floor, Old Memorial House, 9-13 Waring Street, Belfast. Cage Sauna is located at 17-19 John Street, L’Derry.

The Royal Gum Clinic also runs a Gay and Bisexual Men’s Clinic On Thursday Evenings from 5.00pm – 7.00 pm. This is a walk in service.

What Happens at the Clinic

You will be asked for your name and some contact details (this information is strictly confidential and is NOT shared with your GP).

A doctor/nurse will also ask you some questions about you sexual history – what type of sex you have had, whether it has been protected or unprotected, etc.

You will also be asked to give a urine and blood sample, throat swab and a self-collect rectal swab. These samples will test for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Syphilis, Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea.

Hepatitis A and B vaccinations will be offered.

The doctor will discuss when your results will be ready, as some results can take up to 2 weeks. You will be contacted with results via phone, email or by text – whichever you prefer.

The Rainbow Project’s Physical & Sexual Health Worker – Harry McAnulty – will be in attendance at each clinic to answer any questions that you may have.  He can also be contacted on (028) 9031 9030 or by emailing: harry@rainbow-project.org