"Clear need" to tackle lack of awareness of sexual health services, says council report

A council report has found "significant gaps" in public awareness of sexual health services in Gateshead.

The report, formed partly through a series of focus groups across Gateshead, has revealed that there is a "clear need" to improve outreach and education, on local sexual health provision. The focus groups totalled 60 participants, wth 33% between the ages of 14-20 years old.

Common gaps in local knowledge include:

• Participants were unaware sexual health services provide testing for people not experiencing STI (sexually transmitted infections) symptoms.
• Few young people were aware they could access contraception, including free condoms, through sexual health services
• Lack of awareness of sexual health services in rural areas

The report also found that younger people often preferred consulting with their GP or looking online for answers to sexual health concerns, which indicated a gap in youth outreach. In addition, the report also found that some from conservative or religious backgrounds viewed sexual health services as "unnecesary or inappropriate".

The report did however uncover that Trinity Square Health Centre was a well known facility among Gateshead residents, as well as the services it provides. These range from contraception or emergency contraception, psychosexual counselling, STI testing, smear tests, sexual health advice, and an unplanned pregnancy service.

The report has recommended a bolstered and targeted information campaign for young people, as well as ethnic minorities and LGBTQIA+ communities to increase awareness of available services. The report also suggests a tailored communication to respect cultural and religious beliefs "while promoting the importance of sexual health".

Online booking systems and enhanced digital resources were also suggested to make access to sexual health appointments easier.

The report states: "By addressing these gaps and implementing the suggested improvements, Gateshead can ensure more comprehensive and accessible sexual health care for all residents."