Sexual Health & PrEP

YOUR SEXUAL HEALTH MATTERS

By Charles Dewa - Sexual Health Promotion Practitioner

At Derbyshire and Derby City Integrated Sexual Health Services (ISHS) we believe that all people, irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation should have access to quality sexual health services without fear of stigma or prejudice.

My priority is to engage more BAME stakeholders to understand the local population, their barriers to accessing ISHS services, and to scope out opportunities for partnership. This will be done through developing opportunities to deliver ‘community outreach screening’ in areas of high need and /or within high risk BAME communities. Equally, sexual health trainer model can also be delivered to increase capacity of influential professional and community leaders within these communities. The majority of all these BAME populations live in deprived areas. Rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) tend to be highest in the more deprived and inner-city areas and disproportionately affect ethnic minorities. However, we understand that the culture, faith, and belief around sexual health awareness is similar, in that open discussion of sexual health issues, are a taboo or even accessing sexual health services could be taken unholy. According to the 2011 census report and other recent evidence, there is an under-representation of Black African service users in sexual health clinics; the service is determined to improve the engagement through the BAME worker recently in post. Whilst the reduction in HIV diagnoses as well as late diagnosis is a service priority, records show that from January – December 2018, 1621, patients tested in clinic, with 0.48% diagnosed with HIV: • Black British African x 2 • White British x 3 • White Other x 1 • Not Known x 1

The highest population rates of STI and HIV diagnoses are among Black people, but this varies considerably among Black Minority Ethnic (BME) groups. Black Caribbean and Black non-Caribbean/non-African people have the highest diagnosis rates of many STIs of all ethnic groups, while black Africans have relatively lower rates. Black Minority Ethnic men and women should have access to an STI screening, including an HIV test, annually if having condom-less sex with new or casual partners. Statistics show that 1 in 4 men who are HIV positive are unaware of their HIV status, so it’s important that all sexually active men and women are tested on a regular basis. This will improve health outcomes for our people when diagnosed early and help to reduce the risk of onward transmission.

Key Sexual Health Service outcomes

• Reducing sexual health inequalities in specified vulnerable groups • Improve access • Reducing the rates of STIs and the prevalence of undiagnosed HIV • Increasing the percentage of residents to attend sexual health services within Derbyshire and

Derby City rather than ‘out of Area’

Sexual Health Promotion Team

We have a small team of experienced sexual health practitioners across Derbyshire and Derby City who offer free and confidential 1-1, group and targeted education sessions as well as supporting professionals across all sectors to feel better able to have sexual health conversations with their service-users and clients. The Sexual Health Promotion team works with many organisations across Derbyshire and Derby City, to support professionals and their service-users to access the information and sexual health services that they require. We are keen to reach vulnerable people in our communities to easily access sexual health services and information. We also run bi-annual Sexual Health Networking event, training for professionals and have some helpful resources.

Online education and information resources

• We recommend that you book a full STI screening every three to six months or after changing partner. This is especially important if you have sexual partners who do not know their HIV status. • Anyone aged 16 or over is able to order a full STI & HIV test online that is discreet and delivered directly to their address as well as contraception pills and emergency contraception. • •SHS have recently launched a new postal condom service - order up to 12 per month • Virtual Sexual Health Promotion Practitioner advice and support is also available for anyone wishing to chat through their thoughts and feelings. Our team offers psychologically informed support around a wide range of sexual health and wellbeing issues, and onward referrals to other support services. Contact details: 07879 488247 - Information & Booking Line: 0800 328 3383 Email: charles.dewa1@nhs.net: www. yoursexualhealthmatters.org.uk