Calling all Southend residents... now is the time to have your say on the future of sexual health services in the borough for 2021.

With Southend Council being responsible for commissioning services including testing and management of STIs, contraception choices, pregnancy testing and sexual health promotion, such as HIV awareness- sexual health is right near the top of their public health priority list.

In a bid to make sure the people of Southend are able to use both effective and accessible sexual health services, residents are now being asked to complete a short survey.

Results of the survey, which has been set up to find out what residents want from such services and asks them to share ideas, opinions and experiences on the matter, will be released in August this year.

This will be used to shape the requirements for a future service provider.

Councillor Trevor Harp, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: “If you are a resident of Southend, please complete the short survey, which will help us to create a better sexual health service for the borough.

"We are looking for a future provider to deliver the best service possible in 2021 and your responses to the questions in the survey will help shape the tender, to ensure it is as non-discriminatory, accessible, easy to navigate and effective as possible."

 The consequences of poor sexual health can be serious and costly for the individual, as well as for health and social services.

Unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection have preventable short-term and long-term effects on health and well-being.

Mr Harp continued: “The safe and well theme of our Southend 2050 ambition includes the statement “Southenders remaining well enough to enjoy fulfilling lives” and sexual health is an important part of this."

The survey can be taken by visiting https://yoursay.southend.gov.uk/sexual-health-service-consultation-20201/survey_tools/sexual-health-service-survey-20201