Developments

Pan Lancashire Sexual Health Network

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

â€˜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.â€™

In keeping with the above WHO definition the Pan Lancashire Sexual Health and HIV strategy 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 improve sexual health in a holistic way. The strategy embraces a whole systems multidisciplinary approach to the planning of interventions to promote positive sexual health.

Pan Lancashire Sexual Health Network - Strategic Statements

To approach positive sexual health in the context of the physical, social and cultural environment, together with individual physical health and emotional well-being.
To adopt an approach that challenges historic perspectives of sexual health and promotes a change in culture.
To increase social inclusion and reduce inequalities in sexual health through quality services, interventions and support.
To manage knowledge and evidence to enable effective planning and delivery of sustainable services.
To use a participative, multidisciplinary, networking approach to maximise knowledge, skills and resources and to deliver appropriate services, health promotion interventions and support across Pan Lancashire.
To develop opportunities which enhance innovation and apply creative approaches to both service provision and prevention activity.
To ensure all service provision will be based on principles of equity, equality and governance.
To develop options for education, training and workforce development across disciplines to ensure capacity for the achievement of positive sexual health for all.

Pan Lancashire Sexual Health Network Values Underpinning the Network

Diversity:

We recognise and acknowledge that individuals and communities have a right to their own spiritual, social, cultural and moral views.
Empowerment: We work in partnership to support and enable people to make healthy sexual choices.
Ethical practice: Sharing practice, knowledge and expertise is acknowledged as the way of working to achieve objectives and meet the challenges.

Fairness:

We are committed to treating people fairly, based on needs.
Human Rights: People have the right to not have sex, be respected for that choice and still have sexual rights.

Integrity:

We work towards the highest standards in a caring and professional manner.
We believe that the promotion of self-esteem and emotional well-being is important and helps to form and maintain satisfying relationships.

Openness:

We provide access to information in order to help people understand and influence local sexual health services, interventions and support.

Valuing People:

We respond to people as individuals and recognise their knowledge, skills and the contributions they make towards achieving positive sexual health.