Together we did

We heard the views of Southend residents about their experience of using the sexual health services and what they required in a future service. Professionals also provided feedback on supporting residents to access these services.

We received 260 responses from residents and 23 responses from professionals and key themes from these responses included people needing:

• A central Southend service location
• Reduced waiting times
• Flexible appointment times (including evenings & weekends)
• More inclusive approach
• Secure and confidential service
• Client satisfaction
• Easily accessible service
• Online appointments & testing

Next Steps

The service specification was written to include the above themes. The winning provider Brook Young People delivers its services from Warrior Housing in central Southend offering the following:

A single phone number (0330 135 5916) and website (www.sexualhealthsouthend.co.uk) is in use for residents seeking information about the available services and how to access them

Daytime, evening, and weekend appointments in a central location easily accessed by public transport

24/7 online services for some contraception provision and some testing & treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

A range of appointment options including virtual or face-2-face consultations, booked appointments, and walk-in provision

A welcoming and inclusive culture where residents’ sexual health is at the centre of provision