Young people’s views sought to help shape the future of sexual health services

Young people in Shropshire are being asked to complete an online survey, which will help shape the future of sexual health services across the county.

Sexual health services provide advice and access to contraception methods and treatments to men and women of all ages, as well as treatment for sexually-transmitted infections (STIs).

Shropshire’s sexual health survey aims to gain a better understanding of young people’s experiences of sexual health services, what is good or bad about the service, what kind of sexual health services they would use and how and where they wish to access them. There will also be questions around how young people feel about relationship and sex education (RSE). The results of the survey will help to provide services that are more targeted, more easily accessible and that better meet the needs of young people.

Dr Irfan Ghani, Shropshire Council public health consultant, said:-

“Sexual health is about the level of physical, mental and social well-being. Taking care of your sexual health means more than being free from sexually transmissible infections (STIs) or not having to face an unplanned pregnancy. It means taking responsibility for your body, your health, your partner’s health and your decisions about sex.

“We really encourage as many young people to take part in the survey and tell us about their experiences, regardless of whether or not they have ever used sexual health services. This survey will provide us with valuable information about the needs and perceptions of young people around sexual health services, and ensure that young people get the right help and advice on what can be very sensitive and worrying issues.”

Update June 2017:- The survey could be completed online by Sunday 26 April 2015, but is now closed.  

For further information about the survey email andrew.dalton@shropshire.gov.uk or call 01743 254372.

For information about sexual health services in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin call 0300 123 0994 or visit www.STWSexualHealth.co.uk.

Further information

Sexual health services’ aim is to raise awareness and prevention of unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. The service provides advice and access to contraception methods and treatments as well as treatment for STIs.

The sexual health service provides a range of sexual health services to people of all ages across Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin.

You can access services from a range of locations including some colleges and further education settings. The free and confidential sexual services include:

• Sexual health information
• Full range of contraceptive methods, including long-acting methods such as injections, Implanon and IUD/IUS
• Emergency contraception
• Pregnancy testing
• Information and referral for abortion
• Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• HIV testing
• Sexual health examinations that may be necessary to check for infection or other sexual and genital problems
• Free condoms
• Referral to other specialist clinics

There is no need for an appointment as clinics operate on a ‘walk-in’ basis. All consultations and treatments are free and confidential, even if you are under 16.