LGBTQ+ Information For You

Here at Amersham Vale Practice, we support everyone regardless of your gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, race, ableism and disability.

Information for Trans Patients

Or those wishing to change their name, title and / or gender

Did you know?

Changing your name - simply complete a change of name request form and give it to reception. We will ask to see proof of a name change (such as a deed-pole or marriage certificate) along with photographic evidence. If you can not provide this evidence, please arrange a telephone call with a doctor to discuss this further.

Changing your title - you can change your title from Mr to Mx, or Miss/Mrs/Ms to Mx without changing your gender

If you want to change your title from Miss/Mrs/Ms to Mr, or Mr to Miss/Mrs/Ms - you will have to change your gender on your NHS records too.

Changing your gender - you can do this at any time, by completing a gender change form and you do not have to have undergone any form of gender reassignment treatment. You must be aware that changing your gender will mean you will be allocated a new NHS number, and your pre-exisiting NHS number will no longer be accessible or be reversible. Your previous notes will be merged to your new notes, minus any previous identity information.

*unfortunately the NHS only accepts a male / female gender for registration and for gender change currently, if you wish to choose non-binary or other, we can add an alert to your notes, so we as a practice know your preferred gender. Without a male or female gender we cannot register you or change your gender as PCSE will reject the application. Sadly, this is out of our hands, but we and others across the UK have raised this issue to get the system changed, when will this be, we do not know. We do understand your frustrations. 

We as a practice will ensure you get called in for your screening opportunities as long as you stay registered with us, but we do need to know your assigned gender at birth to ensure you get called in at the right time. NHS screening Guidance for Trans Patients further information can be found GOV.UK and at Cancer Research UK

A new NHS number can take approximately 6 months to come through to us (this time duration is because of PCSE and not the practice), once we notify PCSE which we will do within 4 weeks of receiving your request. Once we receive your new NHS number, we will create a new registration for you at the practice within 5 days, and will aim to merge your old records to your new records in a timely manner. (If you have any concerns with this, please contact the practice and speak to a doctor). You should be informed of your new NHS number by PCSE. If you do not receive, please contact us and we can give it to you. You may need to inform any hospitals you are under of your new NHS number so they can update your records.

Resource 10/02/2021

A good surgery for LGBT people

★★★★★ out of 5

Rated 5 stars out of 5

by Anonymous - Posted on 11 July 2019

I've been with this surgery for a few years now, and I've had a particularly good experience as an LGBT person accessing healthcare. The doctors and nurses I've interacted with have always been really supportive and thoughtful in how they deliver care. The staff on reception have been friendly and treated me with respect. I haven't seen all the staff at the surgery, so I can't vouch for everyone, but I am happy to say the care I've received has always been really good. I've recommended Amersham Vale to friends who have also had positive experiences, so I think this is a pretty consistently good surgery.

Sexual Health Services

Within the Waldron Health Centre, in Suite 8, 2nd floor, in the same building as our practice, Sexual Health Services are available. They provide a free and confidential service.

You can now walk-in for an appointment to sexual health in suite 8, for up-to-date information and other local Lewisham Sexual Health Service can be found here.

If you have no symptoms and would like a sexual health screening, you can register with Sexual Health London and order a free test kit online that will be delivered discreetly to your home. 

Further Information for young people and sexual health in Lewisham can be found here

Note:

Here at Amersham Vale Practice, we can provide you with free condoms and lube, please ask at your next consultation or speak to a receptionist.

We also encourage free HIV, Hep B and Hep C testing - simply ask us for a blood test form at your next contact with us.

Are you up-to-date with your HPV vaccinations?

If you were assigned female at birth, you may have received your HPV vaccinations at school, if you were based in the UK. If you never completed the course, or would like to receive the free HPV vaccination for the first time (under 25 years old only) - please book an appointment with a nurse by completing an KLINK form or calling 020 3474 6730.

If you are a man who has sex with men, you can receive a HPV vaccination course at a sexual health clinic (see above)

Self-referral for local Mental Health IAPT Services

If you think you may need some psychological support you can complete a KLINK form or call us on 020 3474 6730 and book a telephone appointment with a doctor.

or, you can self-refer to the free and confidential IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) services by completing a self-referral form or emailing slm-tr.IAPTLewisham@nhs.net to request a referral form, or via the ASKNHS app

NOTE: these options are not for emergencies, if you are in crisis and need help, please call 999 or call Samaritans on 116 123 for free 24:7

Feedback from a patient - received 22 March 2021

I’m really impressed with the level of information for trans and non binary patients available on the AV website. I hadn’t seen it before. I’m grateful to be registered at such an inclusive surgery.

Social Prescribing Directory (London)

LGBT Foundation

What
LGBT Foundation's Helpline Service has been running for 35 years and provides thousands of hours of advice and support to thousands of people every year on a huge range of issues. The Helpline is staffed by a team of dedicated staff and volunteer operators, all of whom receive extensive training and support.

How
Call: 0345 3 30 30 30 Monday to Friday between 10am and 6pm
Email: helpline@lgbt.foundation and receive a reply within 10 working days

If you aren’t completely sure where the best place to go is LGBT Foundation helpline is always a good first port of call as they can offer further signposting and detailed initial support and advice

ANTIDOTE

What
Antidote is a free, LGBT run and targeted drug and alcohol support service delivered by highly trained staff and volunteers. Antidote offer one-to-one key working, referral to detox clinics and prescribing centres, drop-ins to discuss drug and alcohol issues, sexual health, chemsex, and steroid use issues, intensive structured weekend programmes (SWAP), an advice helpline, referrals to in-house counselling, and more.

How
Call: 020 7833 1674 (10am-6pm, Monday to Friday) and ask for one of the Antidote Team.
Drop-in: Clinics at 6 different locations in London across the week, Click here for details

CLINIQ

What
CliniQ are a holistic sexual health and well-being service for all trans people, partners and friends. CliniQ are a trans-led team, who offer a safe, confidential space for those who may not feel comfortable accessing mainstream services. They also perform cervical screening.

Where
King’s College Hospital every Tuesday from 4.00pm to 7.00pm at the Caldecot Clinic
56 Dean Street in Soho every Wednesday from 4.30pm to 7.00pm

GI (Gendered Intelligence)

What
GI (Gendered Intelligence) work with the trans community and those who impact on trans lives; they particularly specialise in supporting young trans people under the age of 21. GI deliver trans youth programmes, resources, support for parents and carers, and educational workshops for schools, colleges, universities and other educational settings. GI also have a youth group specifically for black and minority ethnic young people who are trans or questioning their gender.

Where
GI have youth groups across the city, see their website for more information

London Friend

What
London Friend supports the health and mental well-being of the LGBT community in and around London. They offer counselling and support around issues such as same-sex relationships, sexual and gender identity and promoting personal growth and self-confidence. They're also home to Antidote drug and alcohol service, and a range of social and support groups. 

How
To find out more about the service you’re interested in, visit: click here

MERMAIDS

What
Mermaids also focus on supporting and informing gender diverse children and young people, and their families, Mermaids have a particular focus on younger children who may be questioning their gender or who identify as trans.

Where
Mermaids have online forums, a helpline, and host meet ups across the UK. Find out more here

METRO

What
Metro is a service that works in a number of areas across London, and offers a variety of LGBT-specific services including sexual health, mental health, and youth groups.

Where
Different services operate in different parts of London, you can see what’s available in your borough by visiting the Metro Website

MOSAIC

What
Mosaic LGBT Youth Centre supports, educates and inspires young lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans community of London age thirteen to nineteen through a variety of youth clubs, outings, retreats and events.

Where
The youth club takes place every Wednesday from 6.30PM – 9.00PM in Euston.  Contact Mosaic to get details of the venue.

Opening Doors

What
Opening Doors London is here to support LGBT people over 50 to live full, vibrant and respected lives free from isolation, loneliness, discrimination and prejudice.

Where
Opening Doors offer 40+ groups and one-off activities each month. From singing to creative writing to walks, we aim to provide a range of opportunities that allow LGBT+ people over 50 from across London to meet each other, have fun, and feel confident to be themselves.

How
Call: 020 7239 0400
or visit their website here

Stonewall Housing

What
Stonewall Housing advice and support for LGBT people, including those at risk of or experiencing homelessness, family breakdown, harassment, domestic abuse, eviction. Stonewall also provide supported accommodation for young people in some London boroughs and are a partner in The Outside Project - the UK’s first LGBT crisis/homeless shelter and community centre.

How
Call: advice line on 020 7359 5767 for confidential advice (weekdays 10.00 -1.00 pm)
Online: complete a self-referral or see LGBT and trans specific drop-in times by visiting their website here
Drop In: several drop-ins across London, including trans specific drop-ins at CliniQ

African Rainbow Family

What
African Rainbow Family support for LGBTQI+ people of African heritage including refugees and wider Black & Asian Minority Ethnic Groups

How
Call: 07711 285 567 (Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5pm) or if outside of the UK call +447711285567 (Monday to Friday 9.30am - 5pm UK time)
Email: info@africanrainbowfamily.org 
Complete their contact form

Hidayah

What
Hidayah is a secular organisation specifically for the needs of LGBTQI+ Muslims

How
Email:  info@hidayahlgbt.co.uk

GAYSIANS

What
GAYSIANS is the umbrella brand for the South Asian LGBTQIA+ community. We bring together all resources, networks and organisations related to being queer South Asians

How
Email: hello@gaysians.org

Purple Rain Collective

What
Purple Rain Collective community building organisation for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic LGBTQ people & QTIPOC

How
Complete their online form

Sarbat

What
Sarbat Support for LGBT Sikhs.

How
Complete their online form

CLICK HERE for more sources of support in your local area