Lewisham Council unveils new five-year sexual health plan

June 22, 2026

South London News NHS and Wellbeing Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

Lewisham Council has launched a new five-year Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV Strategy, designed to enhance the sexual health and wellbeing of residents and address health inequalities throughout the borough.

This initiative is a collaborative effort involving Lewisham, Lambeth, Southwark, Bexley, and Bromley councils, pooling expertise and resources to better serve local communities. The strategy aims to ensure the provision of high-quality, accessible services across South East London, acknowledging that sexual health services are often used across borough boundaries.

Four Key Priorities for Sexual Health

The strategy is structured around four primary objectives: promoting healthy and fulfilling sexual relationships through enhanced education and support; improving reproductive health, including access to contraception and informed choices; reducing the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) via prevention, testing, and treatment; and preventing HIV while supporting individuals to live well, with the ultimate goal of zero transmissions, zero stigma, and zero HIV-related deaths.

This approach is part of Lewisham’s broader commitment to reducing health inequalities, with a specific focus on supporting communities that face significant barriers to care. These include young people, Black and ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQ+ residents, and individuals experiencing wider social challenges, recognising that factors such as income, education, and societal stigma significantly influence sexual health outcomes. The development of the strategy involved extensive consultation with residents, community groups, and health partners, ensuring that local perspectives are integral to the future design of services.

Councillor Samantha Gardiner, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, stated, "This strategy is a perfect example of how London boroughs can work collaboratively to provide a better service for their residents." She added, "We know that some residents face higher barriers to accessing support, whether because of stigma, health inequality or wider societal factors. This strategy is about making sure everyone can access high-quality, stigma-free sexual health services, regardless of who they are or where they live. By working together across borough boundaries, we can improve access and fight health inequalities in Lewisham and across South East London."

Author

South London News NHS and Wellbeing Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

From the corridors of St Thomas' to pioneering local clinics, the South London News NHS & Wellbeing Desk offers comprehensive coverage of our healthcare system. Our editorial staff provide clinical updates, patient success stories, and service analysis, ensuring our readers stay connected to the medical milestones happening in their community.

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