GOSHH Service launches in Limerick to cover Mid-West
GOSHH, Gender Orientation Sexual Health HIV is the new name for merged services from Red Ribbon Project and Rainbow Support Services.
Formed in 1989, Limerick AIDS Alliance operated until 1994 when the name changed to Red Ribbon Project reflecting the breadth of sexual health services provided throughout the Mid-West.
Gay Switchboard Limerick was founded in 1986 and became Rainbow Support Services in 2001 reflecting the wide variety of identities supported throughout Limerick, Clare and Tipperary. Both projects joined together in 2013 and became GOSHH in July to provide a person centred service with a community focus.
Our centre on Davis Street, Limerick is our base in the Mid-Western Region. We are open from 9.30am—5.00pm Tuesday to Friday and from 2.15pm—5.00pm on Mondays. Some of our other services are available outside of these hours. We provide free condoms, lubrication or glyde dams to anyone who asks for them.
GOSHH Team with Mayor Michael Sheehan at the launch
Within the areas of Gender, Orientation, Sexual Health, HIV, we actively challenge inequality and stigma on a daily basis. We believe everybody has the right to be safe and free from discrimination and violence. GOSHH is committed to health promotion and community development.
GENDER
Gender identity is self-identified and we all have the right to freedom of gender expression. We support people around gender identity, this includes people who identify as Trans*, Queer and Inter* (TQI) as well as all other gender identities.
ORIENTATION
Sexual orientation is central to our identity and is a core part of being human. We support people around sexual orientation, this includes people who identify as Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual (LGB) as well as all other orientations.
SEXUAL HEALTH
Sexual health is a human right, incorporating the mental, emotional, social and physical aspects of a person. We believe that pleasure and consent are integral parts of sexual health and are relevant throughout a person’s lifespan. We support people with all aspects of sexual health, including visits to the STI clinic.
HIV
Everyone has the right to know and understand their own HIV status. We support people who are living with and affected by HIV. This support is particularly important immediately following a new HIV diagnosis.
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
Our training and education services cover Gender, Orientation, Sexual Health, HIV. Our approach is person centred and is designed to meet the needs of each group we work with. We can design a tailor made programme for you.
PERSONAL SUPPORT AND COUNSELLING
We support individuals and their partners, family and friends. GOSHH personal support can be accessed in person, by phone, by text, or online via email or social media.
The GOSHH team is non-judgemental and has a strict confidentiality policy. Our counsellors are qualified and accredited with recognised governing bodies.
OUTREACH
In partnership with Doras Luimni we provide a street outreach service for sex workers and people affected by prostitution. We also provide cost price condoms and personal support.
We organise events during the Limerick Pride festival to complement and highlight our LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans*, Queer, Inter*) work. For more detail on Limerick Pride 2014 please visit www.goshh.ie/pride
PEER GROUPS AND NETWORKS
A peer is someone who is in similar circumstances to yourself. When peers have contact with each other it is called a peer network. We facilitate peer networks.
We run peer groups for youth, people living with HIV, LGBTQI adults and parents of LGBT people.
RAPID HIV TESTING
A Rapid HIV Test takes approximately 40 minutes and is available by appointment only on a one to one basis. Rapid HIV Testing is done in a confidential and comfortable environment by trained staff members. Please contact us for more information or to book an appointment.
For more information please feel free to contact us.
GOSHH – Gender Orientation Sexual Health HIV
Redwood Place, 18 Davis Street, Limerick
Telephone: 061 314354
Email: info@goshh.ie
Website: www.goshh.ie