Welcome to the Cumbria and Lancashire Sexual Health Networks website.

(CLASH) Cumbria and Lancashire Action for Sexual Health.

As from April 2009 Cumbria will be developing its own Public Health and Sexual Health Networks. However it has been agreed that we will continue to share the CLASH website to provide a sexual health communication and information route.

In 1986 the World Health Organisation (WHO) presented for discussion a definition for sexual health:

"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."

In keeping with the above WHO definition the CLASH website focuses on positive sexual health for all. It acknowledges that sex and sexuality do not exist within a vacuum but within relationships and social structures, and it seeks to promote and improve sexual health in a holistic way.

CLASH embraces a whole systems multidisciplinary approach to the planning of interventions to promote positive sexual health.

Positive sexual health is a holistic concept that incorporates the following:

  • Exploring the myths and taboos and promoting a change in culture.
  • Developing a wider understanding of sex, sexuality and sexual orientation.
  • Acknowledgment that we all have a role to play in promoting positive sexual health and bringing about change.
  • Promotion of positive, pleasurable, mutually satisfying and rewarding relationships.
  • Encouraging emotional literacy and increased self esteem.
  • Challenging prejudice, stigma and discrimination that can negatively affect sexual health.
  • Enabling and supporting people to claim their own sexuality and to respect the choices and lifestyles of others.
  • Comprehensive integrated health promotion/prevention activity, access to information and education for everyone.
  • Provision of integrated and comprehensive sexual health services.