New sexual health alliance launched across Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham

A new partnership has been launched to improve sexual health outcomes across Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham. The Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham Sexual Health Alliance brings together local authorities, NHS providers and community organisations to tackle shared challenges and deliver more equitable, accessible and community-rooted sexual health services.

The three boroughs face some of the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV in the country. They also share similar population profiles—young, diverse, and mobile—making collaboration essential to meet demand and reduce inequalities.

The Alliance will focus on:

• Targeted outreach and education for groups historically underserved by sexual health services.
• Community-based support and empowerment, helping residents build confidence to access clinics, understand healthy relationships, and seek testing and treatment.
• Integrated service delivery, reducing duplication and improving access across borough boundaries.

Ruth Hutt, Director of Public Health for Lambeth Council, which commissions these services on behalf of Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham Councils, said: “This Alliance is a clear demonstration of what integrated commissioning can achieve when we work across borough boundaries. By combining our efforts, we’re not only improving access to sexual health services—we’re making them more relevant, inclusive and responsive to the needs of our communities. It’s about delivering care that reflects people’s lived experiences and ensuring no one is left behind.”

Tina Fleury, Operations Manager for Sexual Health, Turning Point, said: “I’m really proud of the fact that the programmes are incredibly intentional in supporting specific groups who have historically lacked access, education or support in clinics. The programme aims to empower and upskill people for the long term with the knowledge and confidence to access clinics, recognise unhealthy relationship dynamics and to seek out testing and treatments to protect their health.”

The Alliance will work with organisations including Turning Point, NAZ, Spectra, IRMO (The Indoamerican Refuee and Migrant Association), and the Caribbean and African Health Network to deliver services that reflect the lived experiences of local communities. It also supports London’s wider ambition to achieve zero HIV stigma, zero transmissions and zero deaths.

A Lambeth Together priority

This partnership complements ongoing work by Lambeth Together partners to improve sexual and reproductive health across the borough. Through the Lambeth Together Sexual Health Programme, local services are being redesigned to better meet the needs of residents—particularly those who face barriers to accessing care. Read more about the Lambeth Together Sexual Health Programme.