Men with learning disabilities who have sex with men in public places: Mapping the needs of services and users in South East London

This survey investigated the prevalence of men with learning disabilities who have sex with men in public places in three south east London boroughs. The work was administered through contact with providers of services for people with learning disabilities and was commissioned by the local health authority. It represents the first example of needs assessment work on this theme. Service responses to risk assessment and risk management in relation to HIV and the sexual behaviour of male service users were explored. The survey identified 13 services where this was a management or practice issue, and 16 and 18 men for whom this behaviour definitely or possibly applied. This paper reports the findings of the survey and identifies issues relevant to commissioning and providing services for people with learning disabilities.