Expanded Sexual Health Services for Young People in Rotherham

Staff with Cllr Roche at the Sexual Health Service.
Dr Funso Olarinde, Dr Naomi Sutton, Cllr David Roche, Dawn Stobbart, Dr Nadi Gupta

Young people in Rotherham now have more access to sexual health services and advice thanks to an expanded service based at The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust and MESMAC Sexual Health clinic.

Rotherham Sexual Health Service, which has been commissioned by Rotherham Council, will be offering more drop-in and engagement sessions across the borough as part of a new offer for young people aged 16-25.

Working with local charity, Yorkshire MESMAC, the service hopes to expand its engagement in communities across the borough, as well as providing advice for groups from minority backgrounds, the LGBTQ+ community, and sex workers.

The service has also expanded its online resources so that residents can access information via the website and on Facebook. The experienced team hopes to inform, encourage and empower individuals in making the best decisions for their sexual health needs, providing a range of services including:

  • free confidential advice
  • testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis
  • HIV pre and post exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and treatment
  • Hepatitis A and B, and HPV vaccinations
  • a full range of contraceptives including emergency contraception
  • ·vasectomy services
  • free Postal-testing kits for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, HIV and Syphilis

In 2021/22, Rotherham Sexual Health Service supported approximately 15,805 people in the borough.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, Cllr David Roche, said: “Since the new service started operating in April 2022, the team at The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust have been working hard to engage with young people so they can inform, encourage and empower them to make the right decisions for their sexual health needs. Making sure you get the right care and contraception for you is very important in tackling unexpected pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, and the team’s confidential and non-judgemental service has made a real difference for young people in our communities.”

In the UK, over 144,000 young people aged 15-24 tested positive for a new sexually transmitted infection (STI) in 2020. This could be reduced through greater access to information, services and safe contraception.

Rotherham Sexual Health Service Head of Service, Julie Bentley, said: “The Rotherham Sexual Health Service has already helped hundreds of young people get access to the information, care and contraception they need. However, there is still a stigma around talking about sexual health. The service offers safe and confidential advice for anyone over the age of 16, and if you have any questions about contraception methods or something doesn’t feel right, you can talk to a member of the team by calling 01709 427777 or by going online and accessing information on our website.”

Further information about the service available can be found online at www.therotherhamft.nhs.uk/sexualhealth or by calling 01709 427777.

Central clinic, Rotherham Hospital, C level opposite the chapel

  • Monday - Thursday: 8:30am - 7:30pm
  • Friday: 9am - 5pm
  • Saturday: 10am - 2pm

MESMAC Sexual Health, Mansfield Road, Rotherham, S60 2DR (for those 16 and over)

Testing for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and pregnancy:

https://www.mesmac.co.uk/our-services/rotherham

  • Tuesday: 10am - 2pm
  • Thursday: 3pm - 7pm
  • First Saturday of every month: 11am - 3pm

Published: 28th June 2022