We understand that sometimes people access this area for the purpose of sexual activity.
Whilst we cannot promote public sex, we want to be supportive to keep you safe and make sure this community are aware of the sexual health options available to them and everyone who takes part in this scene.
Hopefully, the information on this page will be helpful for you.
A big misconception is that having sex outdoors is against the law- it is not, but there are legal implications to having sex in public.
The Sexual Offences Act 2003 outlaws’ indecent exposure in a public place. This means if you are caught having sex or performing a sexual act and the person who witnesses this takes offence, you and your partners risk a maximum of 6 months in prison or a £5,000 fine.
Sexual activity in public toilets is a crime, but sex in other public places is not, unless witnessed or there is a reasonable chance a member of the public might see what is happening.
‘Exposure’ (showing your genitals with the intention they are seen to cause alarm or distress) is a crime.
The law also says that you should act within the boundaries of taste and decency, this means that if you have sex in an isolated place, where you can expect not to be disturbed, then it is not illegal.
When frequenting these sites please make sure you keep safe this doesn’t just apply to staying safe in person, it also means keeping yourself safe during any sexual activities. The idea of this QR code is to direct you to the correct sexual health services in Suffolk. You can access free condoms in Suffolk via the Suffolk Sexual Health (SSHS) website, where you will be direct yourself to our Personal Health Record (PHR) to order free condoms (25+), for 18 – 25 you can also register to the eC-Card app.
The PHR allows you to access test at home opportunities for the following:
To stay safe while dating online, you can be careful about who you contact, what you share, and where you meet.
A long-term preventative oral treatment for HIV negative people who are at high risk of contracting HIV through sexual transmission
To access either PrEP you can book an appointment on our online portal PHR, or you can call 0300 303 9982 where you would be able to discuss everything with a clinician.
Anti-Retroviral treatment that can prevent a HIV infection after a potential exposure.
To access either PEP you can book an appointment on our online portal PHR, or you can call 0300 303 9982 where you would be able to discuss everything with a clinician.
Sexual consent means a clear, voluntary, and affirmative agreement from each person involved in a sexual activity to participate, indicating they have the freedom and capacity to choose to engage, and can say “no” at any time without pressure or coercion; essentially, it’s a “yes” that is freely given and can be withdrawn at any point during the encounter.
Must be actively given:
Consent is not implied or assumed; it needs to be explicitly expressed through words or actions.
Can be withdrawn at any time:
A person can change their mind and say “no” to any sexual activity at any point, and their partner must respect that.
Requires capacity:
Someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol, asleep, or mentally incapacitated cannot give consent.
No means no:
If someone says “no,” it means “no,” regardless of previous sexual activity or the relationship dynamic.
Communication is key:
Open and honest communication is essential to ensure everyone involved is consenting.
The age of consent in the UK is 16 years old. This means that it is legal for people aged 16 and over to consent to sexual activity.
It is illegal for anyone to have sexual activity with someone under the age of 16.
It is illegal for someone over 18 to have sexual activity with someone under 18 if they are in a position of responsibility.
The age of consent is the same regardless of the gender or sexual orientation of a person.
The law is not intended to prosecute teenagers who are close in age, and both want to have sex.
If you’re under 13 and you’re having sex, or thinking about having sex, you can contact Childline for confidential advice and support.
The Ferns:
Offer free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support, in Suffolk, to people of all ages, who have experienced sexual assault, including rape.
The SARC (Working with The Ferns)
Services operate between 9 am – 9 pm (Monday – Sunday). You can contact on 0330 223 0099. For ISVAs, please call: 07866 142139 (during office hours)
People can contact them with or without police involvement, and they will support with the forensic side.
Contacting a sexual health service for the first time can be a little daunting, so here are some easy answers to many of the questions you may have.
Our colleague will ask a few simple questions to understand your circumstances and the support you need – so relax and take your time.
Everything is completely confidential. Nothing will be sent to your home address.
We’ll help you access whatever you need.
This may include talking through your situation, giving you advice, helping you access protection or contraception or organising a STI test.
We offer discreet and easy STI self test kits for many of the most common infections.
If an alternative test or examination is needed, we’ll help you book in a confidential appointment at a local clinic.
We will never ask you to expose any part of your body during a video consultation.
If an examination is required, we’ll book an appointment at a clinic where a doctor will make any examination as quick and unobtrusive as possible.
No one. Your appointment and test results are confidential.
Sexual health services keep separate medical records and will only share information with your GP or other professionals if you agree to it.
If a test is required, many can be conducted by yourself at home. Other infections may need a visit to a clinic.
Most require a sample or urine or swab of the infected area. Others may require a blood test. This will all be explained to you before the test is arranged.
Firstly, please don’t worry, almost all STIs are now treatable.
You’ll be contacted so you can discuss the result and any suggested treatment with a doctor or nurse. In addition to any appropriate medication, you may be offered counselling and other forms of support to help you cope.
Access a whole range of information and support on sexual health and wellbeing from organisations we work with and support.
Your journey with Suffolk Sexual Health Service begins with a conversation. Whatever your query or area of interest, we’re here to help. From detailed enquiries about our diverse services to general information requests, our dedicated team is ready to assist you.
Registered address: 900 The Crescent, Colchester Business Park, Colchester, Essex, CO4 9YQ. Registered in England and Wales No. 07320006.
