SPECTRA

The funding is for the Trans-Learning-Partnership (TLP) to: Conduct in-depth data analysis from community research on employment/housing/assets; integrate communities in solution-building; disseminate accessible information to key audiences. Develop ....more

The funding is for the Trans-Learning-Partnership (TLP) to: Conduct in-depth data analysis from community research on employment/housing/assets; integrate communities in solution-building; disseminate accessible information to key audiences. Develop the MVE database: monitor and share practice between TLP organisations, strengthening the evidence-base for trans-focussed service improvements and policy influence.

The funding will be used to support trans people through peer mentoring counselling and social groups. The project aims to support trans people to feel better connected and engaged with support services improving their mental health and enhance ....more

The funding will be used to support trans people through peer mentoring counselling and social groups. The project aims to support trans people to feel better connected and engaged with support services improving their mental health and enhance engagement in self-care increase resilience and increase skills and knowledge.

‘Cost of Living uplift: £500 to help projects meet their rising costs and respond to increased demand 31/10/2022’

£498,000 over three years (£132,000; £181,000; £185,000) towards the further development and delivery of the Trans Learning Partnership

£36,700 over 6 months for the infrastructure and participatory costs of the TLP project and staff peer support.

Spectra

Chemsex is associated with increased risk of HIV (condomless sex/multiple partners/needle sharing), with poor mental health negatively reinforcing risk-taking.Clinical management of chemsex & the evidence base for effective treatment is limited. ....more

Chemsex is associated with increased risk of HIV (condomless sex/multiple partners/needle sharing), with poor mental health negatively reinforcing risk-taking.Clinical management of chemsex & the evidence base for effective treatment is limited. Interventions offered include lower intensity eg harm-reduction, screening, peer groups and mentoring. Higher intensity interventions include structured drug treatment & 121 psychological therapy. There is a clear need for higher-intensity group interventions which are more cost-effective & create a therapeutic space away from triggering environments. Participants work through trauma & interpersonal issues underlying addiction.Spectra proposes a chemsex aftercare programme based on an adapted version of Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention for MSM to maintain their treatment gains & develop a lifestyle that supports wellbeing & recovery.MBRP increases awareness of triggers, destructive patterns & automatic reactions driving impulsive behaviours. Participants learn to pause, observe & bring awareness to choices, responding in ways that serve them best. The skills are crucial in overcoming substance use & negotiating sexual boundaries/consent. MBRP develops participants capacity to process (rather than medicate) emotions associated with early-life trauma underlying most addictions. Skills learned increase emotional regulation & rebalancing of the limbic system and (para) sympathetic nervous systems.Innovation addresses both impulsive sexual behaviours linked to HIV/STI acquisition & substance use driving the behaviour in a single, high-intensity intervention founded on clinically evidenced MBRP.It responds to 2015 Neptune Report call for new interventions to meet the challenges of NPSs. This new MBRP application takes the model into HIV prevention with potential further applications in sexual health. MBRP establishes a daily routine to support participants lives, increasing enduring outcomes.MBRP is weekly for 8-weeks, 3 courses p/a, supporting 60 participants.