New service to help improve access to sexual health services across the County

Following the announcement of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust being awarded a new integrated sexual health contract from Devon County Council and Torbay Council earlier this year, an exciting new community programme is being developed.

Devon Sexual Health, working in conjunction with sexual health charity The Eddystone Trust, will provide a dedicated outreach programme working with vulnerable groups and those at risk of poor sexual health outcomes helping to improve knowledge and access to sexual health services.

Sue Smith, Head of Devon Sexual Health said: “We are delighted to be working with The Eddystone Trust and creating a partnership focused on providing a dedicated programme of outreach and prevention work.

“With an emphasis on improving awareness and access to sexual health and contraception care, we will be striving to empower, enable and equip individuals with the tools to make informed choices regards their sexual health.”

Devon Sexual Health will be working closely with the Eddystone team to create a programme of sexual health education and support, tailored to the varying levels of risk and need, and Mags Davies, Chief Executive of The Eddystone Trust said: “We believe sexual health is everyone’s business. It’s about more than sperms and germs – it’s about supporting people’s overall sexual wellbeing.

“This is a great opportunity to work alongside Devon Sexual Health and other partners to shape services in a way that truly meets people’s needs and helps more individuals to feel confident and comfortable looking after their sexual health.”

This work will support the system-wide approach to sexual health services working with GPs and pharmacists, as well as sexual health clinics, to help enable people to manage their own sexual health effectively and access appropriate care, support and treatment when required.

For more information on Devon Sexual Health and the services offered in Devon & Torbay, visit: https://www.devonsexualhealth.nhs.uk/.