Highland
All of our services are available on self-referral and are confidential. We will never share your information without your consent. Choose from the options below to find out more about the services we offer.
HIV and syphilis testing
Our rapid HIV and syphilis testing is completely free and confidential.
One to one support
Our one to one support services are designed to provide a safe and welcoming environment where you can talk openly without judgement or stigma.
Support for gay and bisexual men
Our service for gay, bisexual and all men who have sex with men offers advice and support around sexual health, whether you are living with HIV or not.
Sexual health advice for young people
We’re here to provide information that answers your questions and gives you the confidence to make choices that are right for you. We aren’t here to judge.
Free condoms by post
If you live in the Highlands, we can send you free condoms and lubricant. Using condoms and lubricant can help prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Free infant formula milk programme
Our free infant formula milk programme is available to all new or expecting parents living with HIV in the Highlands.
Rapid testing
Rapid testing is a quick and easy way to test for HIV and syphilis. It is confidential and completely free of charge.
We can offer testing to anyone aged 18+ in communities across the Highlands.
You can book a test or drop in to one of our regular testing clinics at our Inverness office:
- 6 Ardross St, Inverness IV3 5NN: Every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 4-6pm
Click the button below to book an appointment, or get in touch if you have any questions about testing.
Book Now
What you can expect
You might feel a bit nervous about having a test, especially if it’s your first one. Rest assured, the process is straightforward and our staff are trained to make you feel at ease. They are also there to answer any questions you may have.
Read more about rapid HIV and syphilis testing at Waverley Care.
Test yourself for HIV
HIV self tests are fast and totally confidential. You can order free and low-cost blood and oral HIV testing kits from the charity Terrence Higgins Trust.
Highland Sexual Health
NHS Highland Sexual Health also run a series of clinics where you can access testing services. More information is available on their website.
Back to top
One to one support
If you are living with HIV and need support, our Health Improvement Coordinators can work with you to develop a support plan to best meet your needs.
Our services are completely confidential and flexible to your needs. We can arrange an appointment over the phone, online or meet you somewhere that is comfortable for you.
What to expect
One to one support can help you with:
- Coping with a new diagnosis,
- Understanding and accessing treatment,
- Improving mental health and wellbeing,
- Attending appointments and talking to your doctor,
- Telling your family, friends or colleagues about your HIV status.
As well as offering emotional support, our Health Improvement Coordinators can offer practical support like attending medical appointments and can signpost to other organisations that may be able to help with a specific issue, such as homelessness or support accessing benefits.
Get support
Back to topSex, health and wellbeing
We offer support to all gay and bisexual men, and all men who have sex with men who want to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to take control of and make informed decisions about their sexual health.
We promise you a welcoming, confidential and supportive service, free from judgement and discrimination. Our Health Improvement Coordinators are well equipped to support individuals who face discrimination because of their identity, sexuality, gender, sexual health or HIV status.
Who is this service for
This service is for anyone who identifies as a gay or bisexual man. This includes trans men, non-binary or gender-fluid people who want to access spaces for men. This service is also open to men who have sexual and/or romantic relationships with other men, but do not identify as gay or bisexual.
What support we offer
We offer one to one support where you can speak to one of our Health Improvement Coordinators about your sexual health and wellbeing in a confidential and non-judgmental space.
One to one support is tailored to your needs and can be provided in person or online. We can discuss a broad range of topics, including:
- Sex, relationships and sexual health,
- HIV and other sexually transmitted infections,
- Coming to terms with your sexuality,
- Coming out,
- Making social connections within the LGBTQ+ community,
- Reporting hate crime.
We also run clinics in community venues across Scotland, offering rapid HIV and syphilis testing as well as advice and education about HIV and sexual health.
Peer support
We want to provide opportunities for gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men to meet up, socialise and get support from each other in a confidential, relaxed setting. We can put you in touch with our trained peer mentors who have lived experience of HIV and can help you work through some of the challenges you may be facing in your day-to-day life, either one to one or as part of a group.
Get support
Back to topOur Wave service
Through our Wave service, we provide sexual health information to young people aged 12 – 25 living in Highland. We deliver education programmes to groups within schools and within the community, as well as providing Highland-specific information online.
If you have questions or concerns about your sexual health, our Health Improvement Coordinators can help you sort the facts from fiction, and point you in the direction of services that can help.
Get support
Back to topCondoms by Post scheme
You can order condoms and lubricant online using our online order form. Materials are posted in plain packaging to maintain confidentiality and you can make an order request every 3 months.
Our orders are processed fortnightly but if you need condoms more urgently, you can collect condoms from our Inverness office at 6 Ardross Street. Let us know you’re coming in by calling 01463 711585 or emailing highland@waverleycare.org.
For more information, and for condoms by post schemes in other areas, click the button below.
Get free condoms by post
Under 25?
If you are under 25, please order condoms through this form.
Back to topFree infant formula milk
To prevent the transmission of HIV to newborn babies, official guidelines recommend that people living with HIV do not breast/chestfeed and instead exclusively formula feed their babies.
However, formula milk is an expensive option that some parents struggle to afford. Commonly available powdered formulas can cost anything from £30-£60 per month depending on the brand and that’s before you factor in the additional costs of bottles and sterilisers.
To overcome this barrier, Waverley Care can provide free formula milk for babies from birth up to age one.
We provide
- 4 tins of formula a month for the first year of baby’s life,
- Free bottles and sterilising equipment,
- Flexible collection and delivery options,
- Free and confidential support services.
How to access
If you are living with HIV and are pregnant, speak to your HIV specialist nurse about a referral or get in touch with us for information and advice.