Councils band together to improve sexual health for at risk communities
Three local authorities are working together to improve sexual health and well-being for residents and at-risk communities.
Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham councils have developed three new sexual health outreach services, tailored for at-risk communities to make it easier for people to access vital information, advice and resources.
Each of the new services is designed to support a community needing additional support. These include young people who health services see as ‘marginalised’, including asylum seekers, sex workers, people experiencing homelessness or substance misuse, trans people and people with learning disabilities Black African, Black Caribbean and Latin American communities.
Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN) is part of a partnership to deliver specialist services for the Black African, Black Caribbean, Latin American and other minority ethnic communities.
Chief executive Charles Kwaku-Odoi said: “These communities have historically faced barriers to vital healthcare, and this collaboration provides a tailored approach to meet their needs.
“Alongside our partners: NAZ, Indoamerican Refugee and Migrant Organisation (IRMO) and Turning Point, we are committed to ensuring that individuals are empowered to take control of their sexual health with confidence and dignity, fostering healthier communities across Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham.”
In a recent report commissioned by Lambeth council, only 24 per cent of young people surveyed felt very or extremely able to confidently access sexual health advice, and STI testing, prevention and treatment.
The new contracts are designed to make sure health providers raise awareness about sexual health services in Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham, improve those services, provide non-clinical sexual health services in the community, and chaperone vulnerable people to specialist clinics.
Turning Point, a charity which offers free and confidential services for drugs, alcohol and mental health support, will provide sexual health services for young people across the three boroughs.
Natalie Travis, national head of service for Turning Point said: “We are so proud of all of our services and the high-quality care we deliver, so having the opportunity to expand this provision and support more people in new boroughs across London is such a positive way to celebrate the work we do”.
The services will be able to reach out and meet people where they are, provide information, condoms, and HIV/STI testing if required, as well as deliver group sessions and workshops about specific sexual and reproductive health topics.
One to one support including counselling, and improving accessibility to clinics by providing a chaperone service will also be available.
Southwark council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Evelyn Akoto, said: “We are proud to be working in partnership to make it as easy as possible to access sexual health support for at-risk groups and young people.
“These new outreach services are tailored towards the very best outcomes, while reducing stigma and fear.”
(Picture: Alex Green/Pexels)