What is Sexual Health?
Good sexual health is about being confident and in control and also about keeping ourselves and our partner(s) safe. It includes reducing our risk of getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and having contraception that suits us.
A variety of local services are available to provide advice, support, contraception and STI tests and treatment. Services are confidential, free and easy to use.
Contraception and Sexual Health (CaSH) service
Your local CaSH service provides a free and confidential contraception and sexual health advice service, welcoming men and women of all ages including those under the age of 16. To see exactly what the CaSH service in B&NES can offer, and to find out when and where you can access these services, click here.
There are lots of other providers who offer many of the services the CaSH service can- for example your local pharmacy, GP sugery or Sexual Health and HIV Medicine. For information about these services, and many others, click here.
Local Sexual Health Initiatives
C card scheme
The C card scheme is a coordinated free condom distribution scheme for all young people up to 20 years old (and in some cases up to 24 years) in B&NES. The C card scheme offers young people support and advice relating to condom use and sexual health in a range of over 70 community settings. For more information on how to access the C card visit: www.ccardfreecondoms.co.uk
Sexual Health for young people under the age of 16
Whilst the Sexual Offences Act (2003) states that the legal age for young people to consent to sex is 16 years old regardless of sexuality or gender, health professionals under the act are still able to provide young people under the age of 16 with confidential advice or treatment on contraception, sexual and reproductive health. Young people under 13 can never legally consent to sex and health professionals always follow B&NES safeguarding procedures in any cases involving young people under 13 years old.