Members of the public will be able visit any hub or library across the city and request a free test kit for a range of infections including chlamydia and gonorrhoea, HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.

The initiative seeks to support individuals who prefer not to visit a healthcare setting to be tested, those who may not have the digital access to order self-tests online, individuals with no fixed address or visitors to the city.

Information sheets about the service and kit request forms, that customers who require a test kit can complete and hand to staff if they prefer not to ask, will be available at each hub and library.

Tests kits include everything needed to take samples and once completed at home or another private location, these can be sealed and then posted off in discreet, pre-paid packaging to a laboratory for analysis.

Results are then returned to individuals within three weeks via text if negative. The local sexual health service will contact the individual to arrange free and confidential treatment and care if the test result is positive.

Cabinet Member for Public Health and Equalities, Cllr Julie Sangani, said: “There is a strong focus on health and wellbeing initiatives in our hubs and libraries so we’re pleased to be delivering this community STI-testing service in partnership with the sexual health team in Public Health Wales, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board sexual health services and Fast Track Cardiff & Vale.

“There are various reasons why someone might prefer to collect a self-sampling kit from a community facility rather than going to a clinic or receiving a testing kit to their home address so this is a discreet and convenient service for members of the public.”