Trusted local services highlighted during Sexual Health Week

14 September 2026

Residents across West Northamptonshire are being encouraged to access trusted sexual health information and support during Sexual Health Week 2026, as West Northamptonshire Council and Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) work together to raise awareness of the importance of sexual health, encourage early access to support and promote the local services available to residents.

Taking place from 14 to 20 September 2026, Sexual Health Week provides an opportunity to promote open conversations about sexual health, challenge stigma and help people access reliable information and support when they need it.

Working in partnership, West Northamptonshire Council and NHFT are highlighting the range of sexual health services available to local people and reminding residents that looking after their sexual health is a normal part of looking after 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 but not limited to:

• 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

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.

Using trusted services can help residents access accurate information, avoid common myths and misinformation, and get the right support when they need it. NHFT Sexual Health Services offer confidential, professional and non-judgemental advice, testing and support for people of all ages.

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."

Residents can find out more about NHFT Sexual Health Services and access a range of information, testing and support services by visiting: NHFT Sexual Health website.