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Talk about sex

MOST TIMES, WE TEND TO LET THE SYSTEM ‘DO IT’S THING’ - WHO MAKES THE DECISIONS? HOW DO WE GET OUR SERVICES? - ALL SHROUDED IN POLITICS AND BUREAUCRACY. NOW, HOWEVER, THERE’S A REAL OPPORTUNITY TO CONTRIBUTE TO A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF OUR LIVES - SEX. LINDA THOMPSON REPORTS.

Did you know that Scotland is talking sex? Did you know that your sexual health and wellbeing is being discussed? You and everyone else in Scotland!

The Scottish Executive decided earlier this year that something should be done about our sexual health, or lack of it, so asked a group of the leading lights in sexual health work to get together and come up with a new draft strategy for sexual health and wellbeing for everyone, whether you're 16, 60 or 105!

As you know - Sex can be a positive and fulfilling part of our lives, regardless of age, culture or faith, but too many of us have 'poor sexual health', and the problems we face are getting worse. In Scotland, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, are on the rise and a lot of people report discrimination, abuse and sexual violence related to gender, sexual orientation or HIV status. WHAT DOES THE STRATEGY SAY?

The strategy is trying to put sexual health on the political agenda and if it manages this, it’ll be a major achievement. The working group have suggested that sexual health is no longer to be left to struggling community groups, under-resourced clinics or individuals, but the responsibility of everyone: schools, media, services, parents, government departments and faith organisations.

The strategy is really trying to highlight the importance of all aspects of our sexual health from how we feel about ourselves to how we are able to express our sexuality without fear of discrimination.

Key questions are being asked - How can we change a culture where issues of sexuality are rarely discussed openly? How can we move towards toleration, whilst respecting the deeply felt beliefs and differences of opinion over sexuality? How can sexual health services be improved?

There is a whole raft of recommendations for national campaigns, reducing stigma, homophobia and quality confidential services, so that Scottish society starts to view sexuality in a more open and positive way with diversity valued and respected.

WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN?

This means that we all need to be involved. It’s your health that is being talked about. It may mean changes for services, availability of information, new research and training for staff. There may be a new national sexual health co-ordinator or “Sex Czar” as a result, with more local action through networks, local co-ordinators and changed plans for services. You need to make sure that your feedback is included. We need as representative a strategy as possible to make sure that as many needs can be met in the most inclusive way.

WHY SHOULD I BOTHER?

As we all know, sex, sexuality and anything vaguely related is still a touchy subject for many people. We’re not renowned for our openness and acceptance. Projects which try to make positive changes still make sensational headlines. Even though sex and sexual imagery is everywhere, we have not always been comfortable with any real open discussion of the issues and problems that sexuality can bring and even less open at celebrating it’s positives.

When we do access sexual health facilities, some of us get a really good service with quality staff and first class care while others run the gauntlet of long waiting lists, too few appointments, stressed and over-stretched staff and unnecessary risk with undiagnosed and untreated conditions.

Set this all in the wider picture with higher rates of STIs, HIV and more people with emotional health issues and relationship difficulties - we are not a sexually healthy nation. This strategy may be a step towards changing that. This is your opportunity to influence the shape of policy and practice in Scotland.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

You could check out what your local services/ agencies are doing and see if they are organising any events around this. Loads of agencies are trying to encourage people to get involved and make sure that this doesn't remain a dusty document on someone's shelf. It is a hefty read but there is a summary available along with loads of supporting information. You can get a copy from the Scottish Exec. Stationery Office at Lothian Road, Edinburgh or from: www.scotland.gov.uk/sexualhealthstrategy There has been a lot of interest in this strategy, now you need to get involved.

HOW CAN I RESPOND?

There are a number of ways to get your views across and responses have to be with the Executive by the 27th February.

Write to the executive directly, email them or fill in online forms.
Sexual Health and Relationships Draft Strategy
Scottish Executive Health Department
Public Health Division,
Branch 2
Mailpoint 3E (South),
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
EDINBURGH
[email protected]

You could also respond through some of your local services or projects, or email [email protected]
Different things may be happening in your local area and Scotland Civic Forum is organising a series of events all around the country. Check them out for what is happening close to you [email protected]

Remember, 27th February is the deadline. You don't have to be involved in any service or project. Your thoughts and feedback are really important. So, get pen to paper or fingers to keyboards and get all your friends, partners, family, neighbours, colleagues, postman and local shop-keeper to do the same! The more responses we give the more likely we are to be heard - the more chance of a strategy that reflects the real needs and wishes of everyone; of ordinary every day people like you.