Empowering young women: improving sexual health awareness and services across Reading and Wokingham Borough
Download (PDF 694.16 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Reading and Healthwatch Wokingham Borough's Healthwatch Youth team undertook research on young women's understanding of sexual health.
82% received sex education in school and 91% found it helpful. However, they thought there were some gaps, including a lack of inclusivity, information on consent and relationships, where to access support and breaking taboos.
84% were unaware they could get free contraception.
70% had not attended any sexual health check ups
56% had taken the HPV vaccine
Sexual health services should raise awareness.
Only 30% were comfortable discussing sexual health with research professionals. Barriers to accessing services included feeling self conscious and services not being accessible by public transport.