Visit the Umbrella website to:
- request a self sampling STI testing kit to use at home
- find out what services are available locally
- book an appointment online
You can contact the Umbrella service by calling 0121 237 5700.
You can use any Umbrella clinic across Birmingham and Solihull.
Other sexual health services
Umbrella works with lots of partners, including the:
- Birmingham LGBT centre
- Solihull Integrated Addiction Services (SIAS)
- Rape and Sexual Violence Project (RSVP)
Young people
Umbrella run a specialist service for young people. You can contact the service by calling 0121 237 5700.
You can also visit the You+ shop in Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre for support, including:
- free condoms
- pregnancy tests
- STI self test kits
Contraception
Contraception is free for everyone, and services are completely confidential, even for young people under 16 (but over 13).
Condoms help stop infections. They also reduce the risk of pregnancy, although other types of contraception are more reliable.
Other types of contraception do not stop infections, but are more effective in preventing unplanned pregnancy. All GPs can provide oral contraceptives and injectable contraceptives, and some can also fit coils and implant Long-acting Reversible Contraception (LARC).
LARC don’t rely on you remembering to take something, but they do need a trained doctor or nurse to fit them. LARCs, which include implants, injections and the coil, can remain effective for a long time.
Emergency contraception can stop you becoming pregnant if you’ve had sex without contraception or think your contraception might not have worked. Emergency contraception can be used up to 5 days afterwards but is most effective as soon as possible after having unprotected sex.