Northampton residents urged to use trusted sexual health services amid online misinformation
Northampton residents are being encouraged to access confidential sexual health advice and testing rather than relying on potentially inaccurate information online.
West Northamptonshire Council and Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) have joined forces to highlight the support available locally as part of Sexual Health Week 2026.
Running from September 14 to 20, the awareness week aims to encourage more open conversations about sexual health, challenge stigma and help people seek professional support when they need it.
NHFT Sexual Health Services provide confidential and non-judgemental help to people across the area, including sexual health advice, STI testing and treatment, HIV testing and emergency contraception.
Other services include long-acting reversible contraception, the C-Card condom and chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing scheme, free condoms and dams for under-25s and outreach support within local communities.
Health chiefs are particularly urging people to be cautious about information found through social media and online searches and to use trusted healthcare sources instead.
Councillor Laura Couse, West Northamptonshire Council’s cabinet member for adult care and public health, said sexual health could still be a subject people found embarrassing or uncomfortable to discuss.
She said: “Sexual Health Week is where we are raising awareness and providing residents with an opportunity to talk to healthcare providers without judgement, encouraging open and honest conversations, challenging stigma and reminding residents that confidential advice, information and support is available for them locally.”
Lisa Knight-Smith, service manager for NHFT Sexual Health Services, said not everything people read online was accurate.
She added: “Our message this Sexual Health Week is simple: if you're looking for sexual health advice, support or testing, NHFT is a trusted place to start.
“Our services are confidential, professional and non-judgemental, and we're here to support everyone across Northamptonshire.”
Residents can use the services if they need testing or contraception, have concerns about symptoms or simply want advice or reassurance.
More information and details of available support can be found through the NHFT Sexual Health website.