This report from Healthwatch East Riding of Yorkshire (HWERY) explores the state of sexual health education among young people in the East Riding area. It captures student experiences, staff insights, family perspectives, and views from public health and outreach services, aiming to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement in sexual health education delivery. (HWERY) conducted this project following young people’s selection of sexual health education as a priority topic during May-June 2024.

Key Findings:

• Delivery: Sexual health education is mainly provided by external providers or school staff, with mixed awareness and preparedness among students.
• Content: Topics include STIs, healthy relationships, and contraception. Comfort levels vary, with some students finding the content too graphic.
• Access: Awareness of local clinics is low, and barriers include embarrassment and privacy concerns.
• Sources: Students primarily seek information online and from GPs, with less reliance on outreach teams and education staff.

Recommendations:

• Co-produce materials with young people, especially LGBTQ+ content.
• Improve confidential methods for student questions.
• Develop workshops for education staff and families.
• Ensure all students receive consistent education.

Strengths:

• Strong relationships between CHCP and education settings.
• Decreasing stigma around sexual health conversations.
• Commitment from Public Health and CHCP.

Weaknesses:

• Limited access to pop-up clinics.
• Perceived harsh tone promoting abstinence.
• Outdated and graphic presentation materials.