Background
NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), Durham County Council (on behalf of 13 local authorities), the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) have worked together to develop a regional sexual health campaign for young people aged 15–24 years. 

Why does this matter?
Rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the North East and North Cumbria are some of the highest in England – especially in young people. Since 2019, cases of gonorrhoea in our region have increased by 57%. 

We know that lack of information, stigma, worries about confidentiality and difficulty accessing services can prevent young people from getting the help they need. This campaign focuses on providing young people with information in an engaging way to raise awareness of sexual health issues and promote access to FREE confidential sexual health advice and services for young people.   

Who the campaign is for?
The campaign is aimed at all young people aged 15–24.

The campaign aims
To raise awareness of STIs and methods of prevention including condom use, promoting confidential and FREE sexual health services and reducing stigma to support safer choices and help reduce sexual health inequalities in our region.