Lewisham launches new sexual health strategy
A collaboration between Lewisham, Lambeth, Southwark, Bexley and Bromley, the strategy brings together expertise and resources from all five boroughs to better meet the needs of local communities.
This approach will help ensure high-quality, accessible services across South East London, recognising that sexual health services are open access and often used across borough boundaries.
The strategy is built around four key priorities:
- Promoting healthy and fulfilling sexual relationships, with better education, support and awareness
- Improving reproductive health, including access to contraception and informed choice
- Reducing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through prevention, testing and treatment
- Preventing HIV and supporting people to live well, working towards zero transmissions, zero stigma and zero HIV-related deaths
The strategy is part of Lewisham’s wider drive to reduce health inequalities. It focuses on supporting communities who experience the greatest barriers to care, including young people, Black and ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQ+ residents and those facing wider social challenges. It recognises that sexual health outcomes are shaped by factors such as income, education and stigma, and commits to targeted action to address these.
The strategy has been shaped by extensive engagement with residents, community groups and health partners, ensuring that local voices are at the heart of future services.
Councillor Samantha Gardiner, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, said:
“This strategy is a perfect example of how London boroughs can work collaboratively to provide a better service for their residents.
“We know that some residents face higher barriers to accessing support, whether because of stigma, health inequality or wider societal factors. This strategy is about making sure everyone can access high-quality, stigma-free sexual health services, regardless of who they are or where they live. By working together across borough boundaries, we can improve access and fight health inequalities in Lewisham and across South East London."