Council commissions new sexual health service

A new innovative sexual health service is due to be launched in Blackburn with Darwen on April 1^st.

The new provision will give residents access to a 24/7 digital service through which they can manage their sexual health. The online offer will include STI testing and treatment, as well as access to a range of contraception.

Commissioned by Blackburn with Darwen Council on behalf of residents, the new service is being delivered by sexual health charity Brook, in partnership with SH:24, an award-winning supplier of digital sexual health and reproductive services, and Renaissance, North West-based substance misuse and sexual health charity.

In addition to the online services, residents will be able to see expert clinicians for face-to-face appointments at Brook’s Darwen Street clinic, as well as in outreach at various locations throughout the borough.

Brook already deliver sexual and reproductive health services for young people in Blackburn with Darwen, and have had great success leading similar digital initiatives in other parts of the country. Online sexual health services have been vital in the past 12 months, ensuring people could still access contraception and STI testing and treatment throughout lockdown.

Councillor Damian Talbot, Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:

Our provision of sexual health services in Blackburn with Darwen have been good for a number of years but we always aspire to see continuous improvement, innovation and value for money as we buy services on behalf of our residents. Brook are a valued partner and this new provision, including improved digital innovation, will see an even more excellent set of accessible services provided locally. We hope this will help to improve the health of our residents which is always a key priority.

Louise Carrington, Brook’s Director of Operations, said:

It is so important that people have access to high quality sexual and reproductive health provision. By offering residents the choice of both online and face-to-face services, we are giving them opportunity to manage their sexual health in whatever manner suits them best.

Brook has been successfully delivering services for young people in Blackburn and Darwen for many years, and we are delighted that the wider community will now be able to benefit from our holistic, non-judgemental approach to sexual health and wellbeing.

Dr. Gillian Holdsworth, SH:24’s managing director, said:

SH:24 is really excited at working with Brook again – supporting their delivery of a high quality SRH service in Blackburn with Darwen. SH:24 is the UK lead provider of online specialist sex and reproductive health services and we look forward to delivering a convenient and accessible service for the local community in partnership with Brook.