Sexual Health: Shaping the Future of Self-Management in Barnstaple

Across Devon, we are developing a new landscape and way of working that strengthens sexual health self-management - ensuring people have the knowledge, confidence and tools to manage their sexual health safely, while staying connected to appropriate support when needed.

This event marks the beginning of that work. We are bringing organisations and community members together to help shape:

• A cross-sector sexual health self-management network
• A shared resource hub for professionals and communities
• Training that builds confidence in supporting self-management
• A more connected, consistent local approach

Your insight will directly inform how this service develops.

Why This Matters
Self-management does not mean leaving people to navigate sexual health alone.
It means:

• Clear, accessible information
• Confidence to use self-testing and prevention tools
• Strong referral pathways
• Professionals who feel equipped to support conversations
• A system that works consistently across sectors

To build that well, we need the voices of organisations/people already working with communities across Devon and Torbay.
What This Session Will Do
This is not a presentation-only event. It is a working session designed to:

• Share the vision and early thinking behind the new approach
• Explore current barriers, gaps and inequalities
• Identify what organisations need in order to support self-management confidently
• Gather frontline experience and practical insight
• Begin forming a local network of partners

Your contributions will shape:

• The structure of the emerging network
• The design of the resource hub
• The content and format of future training
• How the service works in practice

Who Should Attend?
We welcome colleagues from:

• VCSE organisations
• Health and care services
• Education providers
• Youth and community services
• Housing and support services
• Community members and clubs
• Anyone supporting people who may access sexual health services

If you support people who may benefit from stronger sexual health self-management, your perspective is important.
What You’ll Gain

• Early involvement in shaping a new local approach
• Stronger cross-sector connections
• Clearer understanding of self-management in practice
• Influence over future resources and training
• The opportunity to ensure your communities are represented

Date: May 19th 2026
Location: Tuly Street, Barnstaple, Devon EX31 1EL
Time: 9.30am - 12.00pm
Spaces are limited to allow meaningful discussion, please only book if you are 100% you can attend.

Info: James looks at. What is self-management? Why self-management matters. A vision for a new local approach for Devon & Torbay.

Info: We will work in groups to explore:
How a local sexual health self-management network could function in Devon & Torbay
Our personal experiences and assumptions around sexual health self-management
What a training offer to support self-management might look like
What a shared resource hub could include
How behaviour change approaches can enhance sexual health self-management

Info: Priorities
Immediate opportunities
How to stay involved

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher The Eddystone Trust