What is Sexual Health? - A Vision For The Future

When the strategy is successfully implemented.

Children at primary school level will have high levels of self-esteem and confidence. Parents will feel comfortable to talk to their children about sex as the issue arises, in a way that is appropriate for their stage of development.

They will reach puberty knowing what to expect and how to deal not only with the physical aspects, but with the emotional aspects too. They will know how to make and maintain good relationships and see sex as an integral part of a well-formed relationship. They will see the decision to abstain from sex until they are ready as a positive choice. When they choose to become sexually active they will know how to stay healthy and control their fertility. There will be very few teenage pregnancies and young parents will be supported by housing, education, training and employment agencies and by employers.

Adults will have the skills and knowledge to become good parents. There will be a much lower level of sexually transmitted infections and people will feel comfortable and confident in accessing sexual health services that are confidential and non-judgemental. There will be support for people of different sexual orientations, particularly young people. Schools and communities will not tolerate homophobic bullying.

The needs of specific groups like older people, those with a disability and those from different cultural backgrounds will be recognised, understood and supported.

Sexual health will be seen as something of value, which improves people's health and well-being and improves the quality of their lives through out the lifespan.

Conclusion

We need a lifelong approach to sexual health because aspects of it affect us as young people, in the transition years, as adults, as parents, and as older people. For this reason improving sexual health for the residents of the Western area will require the joint efforts of people from many backgrounds and with different kinds of expertise. It will require us to work in partnership, to share ideas, resources and skills. Register with the website to keep up to date with what is happening. Contact us if you are, or would like to be involved in making this vision a reality.

The World Health Organisation defines Sexual Health as 'A state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being related to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled'.