WATCH GOSHH supports sexual health and equality across the Midwest

GOSHH supports sexual health and equality across the Midwest. GOSHH on Davis Street Limerick work in the areas of Gender, Orientation, Sexual Health and HIV. PIcture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick

GOSHH on Davis provides a range of services and supports across Limerick and the Midwest focused on promoting  equality, well-being, and sexual health

GOSHH is a vital charity and service in Limerick City, providing a range of services and supports in Limerick and the greater Midwest region, promoting equality, wellbeing, and sexual health through a safe and confidential space in the city.

“ GOSHH, stands for gender orientation, sexual health, and HIV,” explains GOSHH Administrator, Róisín, continuing, “We’re based here on Davis Street in Limerick, and we offer sexual health services, including free HIV, Hep C, and syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea testing right here on site.”

Founded in 2014 through the merger of two long-standing local organisations – Limerick AIDS Alliance and Rainbow Support Services – as well as offering free on-site testing, the group’s services go beyond that, Rósín said, “ We also offer workshops and education, and then we have LG BT I plus services and support, so that includes free counseling, free personal support, and social group.”

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

GOSHH provide a safe, confidential, and welcoming environment for everyone they work with at their office based on Davis Street, Limerick City, and the charity work throughout counties Limerick, Clare, and North Tipperary as they focus on the promotion of equality and well-being for all with a positive and respectful approach to sexual orientation and gender diversity.

The group has a vision to create an environment where the mental, emotional, physical, and social well-being of everyone is promoted and sexual rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled.

Róisín, a GOSHH administrator, encourages anyone to access their services without fear, calling on the public to not be afraid to get tested, the staff at GOSHH also offer follow up services, with Róisín saying, “ We have Ayushi and Martina here, they are personal support workers for HIV and Hepatitis C. So if we have any positive cases, they’ll do any liaising with the clinic. Also, if you need personal support sessions, they’ll hold your hand through any kind of follow-up care you need.”

Beyond testing and the follow-up, the charity serves as a support hub for individuals exploring their gender identity or sexual orientation, with Róisín saying the service welcomes anyone who needs it, saying, “Whether it’s for yourself, a child, a family member, anyone, a friend, just pick up the phone, drop into us, send us a DM, we’re happy to help.”

Verena Tarpey, GOSHH CEO said, “Our staff strive to ensure that people in the Midwest have access to services which match and exceed those available in the rest of the country.  Our testing facility is a relaxing environment where people can feel heard. This often results in engagement with individuals who are outside our regular health services – examples include migrants, international protection applicants, homeless communities and sex workers.
In addition to our testing and support services, we widely promote the free home testing service (SH24), and we are an NGO partner of the National Condom Distribution Scheme”  

GOSHH provides care, support, and prevention services for LGBTI+, HIV, STI, and Sexual Health issues in Ireland’s Midwest, and a full range of support is available on their website.

Pictures: Olena/ilovelimerick