Sheffield Foyer: #SpeakUp project report - exploring the barriers to accessing sexual health services and information for homeless young people

Healthwatch Sheffield provided a grant to Sheffield Foyer to undertake research with homeless young people on sexual health services.  They undertook a survey and held an activity day to gain more insight.

Levels of knowledge did vary, but they found that many people aren't very confident about birth control and STIs - such as how STIs are passed on, signs and symptoms, how to prevent them, and who might be at risk. There was a general lack of understanding about the importance of sexual health, which was a concern to Foyer staff.

Sexual Health Sheffield was fairly well known (two thirds of the group were aware of it) and trusted (just over half of people said they would contact Sexual Health Sheffield first if they thought they had an STI), but its services still weren't widely used. 38% of people had never used their services - or ever had a sexual health screening.

The biggest issue raised was the location of services - most screening is carried out at Sexual Health Sheffield, based at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in the city centre. People raised the cost of transport, or having no transport available, as their biggest barrier. They also spoke about embarrassment or stigma, and not having anyone to go with them to an appointment.  They would get tested more often if services were nearer.

The report contains four recommendations about providing outreach to young people about sexual health, bringing services nearer to them, supporting travel to sexual health appointments and training stafff.