Lambeth’s updated Sexual and Reproductive Health & HIV Strategy released
Lambeth’s revised sexual health strategy prioritises access, prevention, and inclusion. The new five-year sexual and reproductive health & HIV strategy represents a significant advancement toward improving population health outcomes. Its objectives include addressing increasing demand for services, ensuring sustainable funding, and reducing disparities in sexual health.
The strategy results from extensive collaboration with the community and partnerships with various strategic groups across Lambeth, alongside a six-week formal public consultation. Building on the previous Lambeth, Southwark, and Lewisham (LSL) 2019-2024 framework, this strategy now incorporates Bexley and Bromley boroughs, strengthening the collective approach for South East London residents.
Notable achievements include the availability of PrEP through NHS clinics since 2020, online STI testing and treatment via SHL.UK, and community engagement programmes. The strategy also addresses persistent challenges such as rising STI rates in London, undiagnosed and insufficient HIV testing, and low awareness among young people and black heritage and global ethnic majority groups.
Ruth Hutt, Director of Public Health, said: “The five borough Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy sets out a shared commitment to tackling persistent health inequalities and strengthening prevention across our boroughs. Too many people continue to face barriers to accessing timely, high quality sexual and reproductive health care, and this strategy responds directly to that challenge. By working in partnership across the system — and by improving how we communicate with and listen to our communities — we can support earlier intervention, empower informed choice, and deliver more equitable outcomes for all residents.”
Initiatives include the development of a women’s health hub designed to improve care and reduce waiting times for relevant services. Many local pharmacies now offer contraceptive pills without prescription, making contraception more accessible. And residents will also benefit from a new contraceptive service provided by Sexual Health London.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Networking Event
On Thursday 16 April at Lambeth Town Hall local community organisations and groups are invited to hear about Turning Point’s enhanced partnership model, ensuring work by Turning Point and VCS partners directly support the objectives of the strategy.
Attendees will have the chance to network, participate in collaborative discussions, deepen their understanding of the strategy, and formally learn about the Lambeth Southwark and Lewisham Alliance.
Find out more
- Sexual and reproductive health & HIV strategy and local action plans | Lambeth Council
- LSLBB Sexual Health Strategy 2025-2030
LSLBB Sexual Health Strategy 2025-2030 summary
A Lambeth Together priority
Lambeth Together works as a partnership across the NHS, the Council, local organisations and residents to develop and deliver local and modern sexual health services that meet needs, respond to challenges and support people to live healthily. Read more about our Sexual and Reproductive Health Programme.