Inscape

...the unified complex of characteristics that give each thing its uniqueness and that differentiate it from other things, The essential inner nature of a person, object etc.
 
Inscape, formerly known as 'Gay Men's Health Promotion Service' was initially funded to engage in HIV prevention and health promotion work among the homosexual male population of Portsmouth and South East Hants.
 
Initially based at Keswick House in Copnor Rd, Portsmouth, It quickly gained a reputation among both service users and Service Providers, for being a reliable source for up to date information, 1-2-1 support for clients and professionals and provision of resources and safer sex products.
 
Over the past ten or so years Inscape has diversified to meet the needs of a population, which has changed greatly from the humble beginnings of a decade ago. Originally one male worker provided outreach work, to cottaging and cruising areas and resources/support to the Gay Commercial venues within Portsmouth City.
 
Now, as the key service provider on the South Coast, Hosted by Portsmouth City Teaching PCT and co funded by Portsmouth City Teaching PCT & East Hampshire, Fareham & Gosport PCTs, Inscape embraces the sexuality, diversity and healthcare needs of the community enabling people of all genders and sexualities to access personal support and healthcare.
 
To meet the ever-increasing demands of the community, Inscape now consists of a Service Manager, an Outreach Coordinator, a Counsellor, a Female Development worker, a Team of Volunteer Outreach workers, a Secretary/Receptionist and is host for the Senior Nurse Specialist for HIV & Sexual Health.
 
The following services are provided to clients who are referred to Inscape by General Practitioners, Consultants, GUM Clinics, Counsellors, Housing Services, Police, Social Services, Schools, Self-referral and other.
 
PSE Outreach
Health Promotion work which takes place in cottaging and cruising areas within Portsmouth and South East Hampshire. Outreach workers offer 1-2-1 support, information, onward referrals and free safer sex resources to persons they engage with.
 
Scene Based Outreach Work
Health Promotion work which takes place in the Commercial Venues within Portsmouth and South East Hants. Promotional Stands, Zaps (people are handed information i.e. service updates), 1-2-1 work, Referrals into Inscape for Counselling etc.
 
Work with Transgendered Clients
After many years of offering support to clients who are Gender Dysphoric, Inscape now hosts The Phoenix group. A group specifically for transgendered clients, not transvestites, which meets once a month offering peer support, 1-2-1 worker support and advice to all persons m-2-f and f-2-m at all stages of transitioning in a comfortable and confidential setting. For many this group has offered a lifeline that they have spent years searching for.
 
1-2-1 support may also be available by referral to a clinical nurse specialist.
 
Lesbian Healthcare Support
Inscape now employs a female development worker who was engaged as a result of a needs assessment with the female community, to work specifically with Lesbians and Bi-sexual women. The assessment highlighted specific healthcare needs of this group of women, many of whom are isolated and unable to access support on the gay scene, healthcare needs which were not being met.
 
The Rainbow Café offers monthly drop-in opportunities for women and their children to meet regularly with each other and with a worker. It offers support sessions and presentations from experts and gives many females the opportunity to meet others in similar situations.
 
Themes
Inscape Outreach workers present campaigns throughout the year. Usually, these will follow healthcare themes such as World Aids Day, Skin-care (aimed at skin cancer awareness), No Smoking Day and World Mental Health Day. Themes will be decided upon as per the needs of the community.
 
Gayzette
A seasonal publication that is produced by Inscape as an informative guide to what's happening in healthcare. It aims to offer advice and support to people, inform people as to which campaigns are being worked on and give dates of presentations. It specifically offers advice on sexual health and has a listings page of helpful contacts.
 
Counselling
Inscape has hosted Counselling sessions with a qualified Counsellor for approx 5 yrs now. Persons seeking counselling can access this by self-referring or by agency referral. Counselling is generally based around issues such as Sexuality, Coming Out, Self Esteem and Confidence issues. Other issues, which have been brought to counselling include, relationship problems, bullying and abuse.
 
All persons seeking counselling will be offered an assessment session first, during which it will be ascertained what type of counselling would be best suited to the individual.
 
For further information on any of the above services can be accessed by contacting:
 
Inscape
373-375 Old Commercial Rd
Portsmouth
PO1 4QL
023 9229 8950/1/2