Residents across Northamptonshire encouraged to access trusted sexual health information and support during Sexual Health Week
Residents across Northamptonshire are being encouraged to access trusted sexual health information and support during Sexual Health Week 2026, as Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT), North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire Council work together to raise awareness of the importance of sexual health, encourage early access to support and promote local services available to residents.
Taking place from 14 to 20 September 2026, Sexual Health Week provides an opportunity to raise awareness of sexual health, promote open conversations, challenge stigma and help people access reliable information and support when they need it.
Working in partnership, NHFT and both local authorities are highlighting the range of sexual health services available across the county and reminding residents that looking after their sexual health is a normal part of maintaining their overall health and wellbeing.
Good sexual health plays an important role in people's physical and emotional wellbeing. Accessing information, advice and support early can help individuals make informed decisions, prevent the spread of infections, address concerns before they become more serious and support healthy relationships.
Residents are encouraged to seek advice whenever they have questions about sexual health, need testing, require contraception or want reassurance about symptoms or concerns. Professional services can provide confidential and accurate information tailored to individual circumstances.
NHFT Sexual Health Services provide confidential, professional and non-judgemental support, including:
Sexual health advice
STI testing and treatment
HIV testing
The C-Card condom and chlamydia/gonorrhoea testing scheme
Free condoms and dams for under 25s
Emergency contraception
Long-acting reversible contraception
Outreach support across local communities
This year's campaign reflects the national focus on trusted information and aims to help people feel confident accessing advice and support from reliable sources.
With increasing amounts of health information available online and through social media, residents are being encouraged to use trusted sources when looking for information about sexual health, testing, prevention and support. Trusted information is provided by qualified healthcare professionals and recognised health organisations and is based on the latest clinical evidence.
The campaign will place a particular emphasis on supporting young people, including those starting college or university during Freshers' Week, helping them access accurate information and understand the range of support available.
Councillor Brian Benneyworth, North Northamptonshire Council's Executive Member for Housing, Health and Leisure, said:
"Sexual Health Week provides a valuable opportunity to raise awareness, challenge stigma and remind people that trusted, professional services are available locally.
"Sexual health is an important part of our overall health and wellbeing, and everyone should feel confident accessing the information and support they need.
"We are proud to work alongside Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to promote the excellent sexual health services available across our communities."
Councillor Laura Couse, Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Public Health at West Northamptonshire Council, said:
“Sexual health is a very important part of our overall health and wellbeing, yet it can often be a topic that people may feel is too embarrassing to talk about - or they may feel uncomfortable discussing this with anyone outside of their immediate family. 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.
"We want everyone across West Northamptonshire to feel confident accessing trusted information and seeking help when they need it. It is important to identify risks or issues early in order to prevent longer term health concerns later and by accessing information now - you are taking responsibility for your own future health and wellbeing. Whether you're looking for advice, testing or support, there are professional services available that can provide accurate information and help you make informed choices about your sexual health and wellbeing."
Lisa Knight-Smith, Service Manager for NHFT Sexual Health Services, said:
"Sexual Health Week is an important opportunity to remind people that sexual health is a normal part of overall health and wellbeing, and that support is available whenever it's needed.
"We know that many people turn to social media or online searches for information, but not everything they read is accurate. 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. Whether you have a question, need reassurance, are looking for testing or simply need information you can trust, we would encourage you to find out more about the support available."
Throughout the week, NHFT and both councils will be sharing information to help local people better understand sexual health services and make informed decisions about their wellbeing.
Residents can find out more about NHFT Sexual Health Services, including information on testing, prevention and support, by visiting:
www.nhft.nhs.uk/sexualhealth