RCN supports new sexual health campaign
Published: 05 August 2008
The RCN has offered its support to the Family Planning Association’s It’s my right! campaign. Launched this week, the campaign focuses on the rights of people with learning disabilities to sex and relationships.
Urging the Government to further invest in sexual health education and training opportunities for nurses, the RCN has highlighted the fact that that nurses are often the first point of contact when dealing with sexual health issues. The College said the theme of the campaign provides an opportunity to educate nurses on how to provide specific advice and information on sexual health for people with learning disabilities.
Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the RCN, said:
“It is important healthcare professionals, and indeed the public understand the challenges and sensitivities of sexuality and sexual health, even more so for people with learning disabilities who need additional support.
The RCN supports the Family Planning Association’s efforts to raise awareness about the issue of sexual health for people with learning disabilities and encourages healthcare professionals, including nurses, to take the lead in promoting this campaign in the community”.
An interactive CD-Rom and a set of posters have been produced to address the issue as part of Sexual Health Week which takes place between 04 and 10 August 2008.
Further information
Read more on the It’s My Right! campaign on the Family Planning Association’s website: www.fpa.org.uk.
For further information, interviews or illustrations, please contact the RCN Media Office. Telephone: 0207 647 3633, email: press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit the RCN Media centre.