Spotlight on consent this Sexual Health Week

Discussions with students and workers will form the focus of Sexual Health Week in Walsall with outreach workers visiting a number of sites.

The theme of this year’s Sexual Health Week, organised by the FPA (Family Planning Association) charity, is consent and how it is about far more than saying ‘No’ to unwanted activity.

Teams within Walsall integrated Sexual Health (WiSH) will be using this focus to highlight the range of free advice and support that is available for people of all ages, from all communities across the borough.

Staff will visit the following venues:

• Monday 24 September Wisemore campus of Walsall College from 10am
• Wednesday 26 September, Walsall University, Gorway Road campus for Freshers’ Fayre from 10am until 2pm
• Thursday 27 September, Network Rail, Pleck Road, Walsall, from 10am until 2pm.

Information stands will also be available in the Main Atrium at Walsall Manor Hospital on Monday 24 September and Wednesday 26 September between 10am and 2pm, encouraging people to consider their sexual health and signposting visitors to the services available including home testing kits for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and HIV.

Jane Hopcroft, Matron for Gynaecology and Sexual Health with Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “Consent has really hit the headlines over the last year, particularly with the #MeToo movement in response to sexual harassment and sexual assault.

“Next week gives us an opportunity to have some really meaningful discussions around what people understand about consent and to highlight the range of behaviours that some use to pressure others into doing things they’re not comfortable with.

“There is a range of confidential sexual health support in Walsall and awareness weeks such as this provide the perfect platform for people of all ages, with all sorts of lifestyles to access this.

“Many may not realise that they can take a free STI or HIV test at home either by requesting a postal kit via the WiSH website or visiting one of the pharmacists listed on the website. This is so much more convenient for people and their results will be sent directly back to them by text message or email. This service is offered in partnership with the charity Saving Lives and is a far more modern approach that supports people to take responsibility for their sexual health.

“If a positive STI or HIV result comes back, WiSH can help people to get the treatment and support they need.

“We’re looking forward to meeting students and workers and empowering them to stay safe, happy and healthy.”