How does it work (in more detail)?

Complete a quick online assessment: it only takes a few minutes and will determine what type of test you need. Everything you tell SH:24 is kept private and confidential. Your test will be dispatched: tests usually will arrive within 2 days and will be sent in a plain envelope, via first class post. Complete your test: your kit will include clear instructions to help you take your own samples. Testing is simple and non-invasive: either a urine test or a vaginal swab that you complete yourself. Send your completed test back: use the freepost envelope provided and pop it in the nearest postbox. You will be contacted with your results : this is usually 4-7 days after you have returned the test. You will get a text from SH:24 telling you that your results are available to view in your account. You'll get help with accessing treatment if you need it: if your test comes back positive, SH:24 will help you access treatment and notify your partner(s). Treatment is free and often possible to send by post so there's no need for a visit to the clinic. You will also be supported to notify recent sexual partners so they can also get tested and treated (this can be done anonymously).

Free STI testing and treatment in Stockport

If you are aged 16-24 and live in Stockport, you can request a free STI test kit to be sent to you by post.

Order a test through SH:24

If you are between 16-24 years old and don’t have symptoms, you can order a test now through SH:24.

Order a test kit

Alternatively, Brook Manchester may be able to provide you with a test kit. Call 0161 237 3001 or visit a walk-in clinic. View Brook Manchester location and opening times.

If you have symptoms or have had sex with someone who has tested positive you’ll need to be seen in clinic. Visit Locala Sexual Health (Locala under 18s services ).

Remember: the minimum window period for chlamydia and gonorrhoea to show up in tests is two weeks. Testing too early will likely result in a false negative. We recommend waiting at least three weeks from unprotected sex before doing a test for accurate results.

How it works

Order an STI home test through the SH:24 website

Receive your testing kit in the post and complete it.

Return your test in the post as soon as possible after completing it.

Within a few days you’ll get a text from SH:24 letting you know that your results are available.

Both testing and treatment are free for eligible clients. Please be aware that SH:24 may need to speak to you about your test order or results. For information about how they use your data, please read their privacy policy.

FAQs

Complete a quick online assessment: it only takes a few minutes and will determine what type of test you need. Everything you tell SH:24 is kept private and confidential.
Your test will be dispatched: tests usually will arrive within 2 days and will be sent in a plain envelope, via first class post.
Complete your test: your kit will include clear instructions to help you take your own samples. Testing is simple and non-invasive: either a urine test or a vaginal swab that you complete yourself.
Send your completed test back: use the freepost envelope provided and pop it in the nearest postbox.
You will be contacted with your results: this is usually 4-7 days after you have returned the test. You will get a text from SH:24 telling you that your results are available to view in your account.
You’ll get help with accessing treatment if you need it: if your test comes back positive, SH:24 will help you access treatment and notify your partner(s). Treatment is free and often possible to send by post so there’s no need for a visit to the clinic. You will also be supported to notify recent sexual partners so they can also get tested and treated (this can be done anonymously).

The kits that SH:24 can provide by post will test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. These are two of the most common STIs and it’s possible to have one or both of them with no symptoms.

If you know you’d like to be tested for HIV and syphilis you can order a free test kit from freetesting.hiv or contact your local sexual health clinic. For HIV testing, you need to wait 6 weeks after unprotected sex to take a test in order to get the most accurate result.

As long as it’s been at least two weeks since unprotected sex, we recommend that you complete and return your test as quickly as possible. That way you’ll know sooner if you need to access treatment.

Remember: if you have unprotected sex again after you have taken the test, you will need to do a new test.

Online testing is for people who have no symptoms (are asymptomatic). If you have any symptoms, please contact Locala on 0161 507 9492.

Treatment for chlamydia can be accessed from SH:24 (it may require a telephone consultation).

Treatment for chlamydia is free and is often possible to send by post, meaning there is no need to visit the clinic.

They will refer you to an appropriate service if treatment for gonorrhoea or another STI is required.

Treatment for is free.

Usually results come through within a few days.

If you sent your test over 10 days ago contact SH:24 who will be able to support you sh24.org.uk/contact-us

If you’ve had sex without a condom, it’s best to wait at least two weeks because it can take two weeks for chlamydia and gonorrhoea to show up on tests.

Free STI home testing is available in other parts of the UK including Tameside, Trafford and Manchester. View more options for accessing home testing kits.