ROAM is an NHS Lothian service providing sexual health testing and support for gay, bisexual, trans and all men who have sex with men (GBMSM) living in Lothian.
The easiest way to understand the ROAM service is to view our 5-minute RefBite talk which also gives additional background and information: https://vimeo.com/855019868
ROAM provides a testing service both outwith the clinical setting, and in clinics in other health settings across Lothian, at community-based locations and via our outreach testing bus. The service is able to provide a full service at all these locations. This includes:
· Self swabs for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea
· Blood tests for Syphilis, HIV & other BBVs
· Vaccinations for Hepatitis A & B, and HPV
· Rapid 60 second HIV & Syphilis testing
· PrEP Assessment
· Free condoms and lube
· Information and advice
ROAM is unable to provide support for anyone with symptoms of STIs and they would be referred into the GB+ clinic at Chalmers, held every Wednesday evening, or into another appropriate Chalmers service.
ROAM provides 1-2-1 support in the form of a listening service and low-level interventions. It is not a counselling service but an opportunity to discuss concerns in regards to sexual health, safer sex strategies, Chemsex, PrEP, sex work, mental health, alcohol and drug use, relationship difficulties, stigma and discrimination or other issues affecting someone’s mental health and wellbeing.
ROAM is also a 3rd Party Reporting Centre and can support GBMSM to anonymously report any potential hate crimes.
ROAM can be contacted via:
Email: roam.outreach@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
Mobile: 07774 628 227
Office: 0131 536 1773
Instagram: ROAM Team (@roam.team) | Instagram
Twitter: @RoamTeam95
C.M & T.R 27-06-23
Who can refer:
- Self referral for all services
- 1-2-1s can also be referred by a GP or any practitioner/worker, via contact information above.
Who to refer:
- Anyone who identifies as Gay, Bisexual, or all men who have sex with other men. This can include transgender men and women, non-binary people and men who identify as heterosexual who do engage in penile/anal sex.
- As above, who wish to have an STI screen (without symptoms), PrEP assessment, 1-2-1 support and advice, vaccinations.
Who not to refer:
- Heterosexual men not engaging in penile/anal sex with other men
- Cisgender women (lesbians or heterosexual)
- Transgender people not engaged in penile/anal sex
- GBMSM with symptoms of an STI
- GBMSM living outwith Lothian
- Under 16s
- GBMSM with symptoms of an STI should be referred to GB+.
How to refer:
- Self-referral by contacting the ROAM team via phone, email or social media.
- Outreach locations are updated every week, on the ROAM website.
- New service users will need to phone and get registered.
- For 1-2-1 referrals from GPs or other services, please contact ROAM on the contact information above. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS MUST BE SENT FROM A SECURE EMAIL ADDRESS.
Waverley Care
A non-statutory service offering support for people living with HIV and Hepatitis C in Scotland. Waverley Care also have a GBMSM specific programme.
LGBT Health and Wellbeing
A non-statutory community-based initiative offering services and support for the LGBT community.
LGBT Youth Scotland
A non-statutory community-based initiative offering services and support for the young LGBT community.
Chalmers Sexual Health Centre
NHS Lothian sexual health services including:
- c:card for free provision of condoms and lube
- GB+ for STI testing and treatment, PrEP assessment, vaccinations and support for GBMSM.
- Gender Identity Clinic for people who may be considering or are undergoing transition in connection with gender incongruence or dysphoria.
