Introduction to chemsex

Piloted successfully in mid-2017, the “Introduction to Chemsex” training day is just that, having evolved from interest and enquiries from mainstream drug services wishing to gain a better understanding of the subject matter and its potential implications for services. This accessible training day is designed for staff and workers from drugs and sexual health services, commissioning, CCGs, GPs, LGBT organisations and local government, and works more effectively if participants from these organisations are present. Content is comprised of presentations, short films, discussion and group work exercises, and Q&A. At the end of the day, participants are given a detailed handout (with hyper-links and QR codes) including research, policy and strategy documents, and further reading referred to throughout the day. Learning objectives 

• An understanding of chemsex and its evolution among gay men within a cultural and historical context

• An understanding of the terms 'chemsex', 'slamming', 'bareback', 'PEP' and 'PrEP' and how they are inter-connect

• An overview of prevalence and potential future trends

• An overview of treatment services and challenges facing the development of chemsex services

• An understanding of the specific challenges for abstinence and harm reduction strategies for gay men

• An understanding how a chemsex service might be integrated into a main stream drug service

• An understanding for the need for drug and alcohol treatment services to better meet the needs of LGBT people

If you wish to book this training for a group please use the Training Enquiry Form. We occasionally run open courses for people wishing to book individual places. If you'd like us to email you if this course is scheduled to run, let us know and we'll be in touch.