Sexual Health Week provides an opportunity to raise awareness about sexual health. This year’s theme Open conversations invites individuals and organisations to take part in meaningful discussions to eliminate stigma, empower people to make informed choices, and promote healthy relationships.
Dates: 10-16 February 2025
Theme: Open conversations
Hashtags: #SexualHealthWeek, #LetsTalkAboutSex
Follow us to stay up to date with this initiative:
- Facebook @PublicHealthAgency
- Instagram – @PublicHealthNI
- LinkedIn – public-health-agency-pha
- X – @publichealthni
- Public Health Agency (Vimeo): https://vimeo.com/PublicHealthAgency
- Public Health Agency (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/user/PublicHealthAgency
- Public Health Agency website
Press release – Sexual Health Week: Let’s talk about sex! | HSC Public Health Agency
-
Event toolkit
The event toolkit is designed to help you get involved and promote Sexual Health Week effectively.
You can download theme and event toolkit for Sexual Health Week 2025 or scroll down for all the information.
Theme and event toolkit for Sexual Health Week 2025
Theme: Open Conversations
Dates: 10-16 February 2025
Published by: Public Health Agency, Communications
About the toolkit: This toolkit is designed to help you get involved and promote Sexual Health Week effectively.
Who is this toolkit for? An individual, a community group, or an organisation, this toolkit will provide the resources you need to participate in and promote this event.
Objective
To create a culture of openness and empowerment around sexual health by encouraging open conversations. This aligns with Objective Five of the Sexual Health Action Plan 2023-26, which aims to create an environment where people feel confident in seeking and sharing information about their sexual health.
Marketing materials
This section contains customisable assets for you to use during Sexual Health Week.
1. Social media posts, images, videos, hashtags
We’ve created ready-to-use social media templates for you to post on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. These can be downloaded and shared with your community.
Follow us to keep up-to-date with PHA’s participation during the Sexual Health Week:
LinkedIn – public-health-agency-pha
Public Health Agency corporate site
Public Health Agency (Vimeo): https://vimeo.com/PublicHealthAgency
Public Health Agency (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/user/PublicHealthAgency
Date Graphic Captions Sun 9 Feb 
This Sexual Health Week (10-16 February) we’re encouraging people to talk about sex, including sexual wellbeing and healthy relationships, and benefit from the confidence that comes from being informed. #sexualhealthweek
#letstalkaboutsex
Mon 10 Feb Video of Frances This Sexual Health Week (10-16 February) let’s talk about sex. Get to know more about sexual wellbeing, healthy relationships and the confidence that comes from being informed. #sexualhealthweek
#letstalkaboutsex
Tue 11 Feb 
Let’s talk…TESTING Have an HIV test if you:
- have a new sexual partner;
- have had unprotected sex;
- have paid for sex;
- have shared injecting drug equipment.
Testing for HIV is free and involves a simple blood test. It can be done from home through an online testing kit or by visiting your local clinic.
You can get a free home testing kit for HIV at www.sh24.org.ukwww.sexualhealthni.info
#sexualhealthweek
#letstalkaboutsex
Wed 12 Feb 
Let’s talk…CONTRACEPTION There are a range of contraceptives available to help prevent unplanned pregnancy and what works best will depend on what matters to you.
Condoms are the only form of contraception that can help protect against both pregnancy and STIs.
Get tested quickly if you think you might be at risk of an STI.
For more info see www.sexualhealthni.info
#sexualhealthweek
#letstalkaboutsex
Thur 13 Feb Video of Rachel This Sexual Health Week (10-16 February) let’s talk about sex. Get to know more about sexual wellbeing, healthy relationships and the confidence that comes from being informed. #sexualhealthweek
#letstalkaboutsex
Fri 14 Feb 
Let’s talk…PROTECTION
If you are #sexuallyactive it is important to help protect yourself:- always use a condom;
- limit your number of sexual partners;
- avail of vaccines and support services;
- get tested quickly if you think you; might be at risk of a STI.
For more info see www.sexualhealthni.info
#letstalkaboutsex
Sat 15 Feb 
Let’s talk…CONSENT Always trust your instinct and be empowered to say ‘No’ to anything or any situation you are uncomfortable with.
For more info see www.sexualhealthni.info
#sexualhealthweek
#letstalkaboutsex
2. Hashtags to use
- #SexualHealthWeek
- #LetsTalkAboutSex
How to participate
Promotional strategies to help you engage your audience and boost participation in Sexual Health Week:
1. Collaborate with partners
- Partner with local organisations, schools, clinics, and influencers to promote the message of open conversations. Use cross-promotion on social media to extend the event’s reach.
- Share the Sexual Health Week event schedule and encourage others to attend or participate in online discussions or workshops.
2. Host events
- In-person events: Host workshops, discussions, or outreach activities to facilitate open conversations. [collaborate with healthcare professionals to address common sexual health concerns].
- Virtual events: Organise webinars or live chats focused on sexual health topics [awareness sessions internally in your organisation similar to HIV awareness sessions].
3. Share testimonials and success stories
- Share personal stories or experiences from people who have benefited from open conversations about sexual health [young people, healthcare professionals, or advocates].
- Feature quotes or video clips from participants who have shared their experiences on social media.
4. Create content
- Video content: Create and share short videos explaining why open conversations about sexual health matter.
Key messages to share
- Talk openly, live openly: Open conversations help reduce stigma and empower people to make informed choices about their sexual health.
- Sexual health is health: Sexual health is a vital aspect of overall well-being, and discussions should be open, supportive, and non-judgmental.
- Empowering individuals, especially youth: Encourage individuals to talk to young people and help them make informed, empowered decisions about their sexual health.
Additional resources & support information
- Events and videos: Find out about events happening during the week, watch inspiring videos of young people, healthcare professionals
- Downloadable resources: Social media assets available within this page.
- Press release: Sexual Health Week: Let’s talk about sex! | HSC Public Health Agency.
-
Events taking place across NI, videos of young people, healthcare professionals
Watch inspiring videos from young people, healthcare professionals sharing their perspectives on the importance of open conversations about sexual health:
Find out about events, workshops happening during the Sexual Health Week:
Date Organiser Activity Monday
10 FebruaryInforming Choices Let’s Talk About…Pregnancy Loss
The event is being held in Parliament Buildings and is for MLAs and their staff.Please follow the link for more details on the eventTuesday
11 February
5pm-8pmRainbow Project NI Rapid HIV & Syphilis Testing Clinic, Tuesday 11th February 5-8PM in the ‘Community Space’ of the Belfast LGBT Centre (23-31 Waring Street, Belfast, BT1 2DX) available for MSM, gay & bisexual men, and trans or non-binary people. www.rainbow-project.org/testing Wednesday
12 February
12-6pmRainbow Project NI Rapid HIV & Syphilis Testing Clinic, Wednesday 12th February 12-6PM at the Belfast Trans Resource Centre (98 University St, Belfast BT7 1HE) specifically for trans, non-binary & intersex individuals www.rainbow-project.org/testing Friday
14 FebruaryInforming Choices Let’s Talk About…‘The Talk’
The event on 14 February will be held in Derry and is for individuals with a learning disability and autistic people, as well as their parents and supporting professionals.
Please follow the link for more details on the event.Wednesday
19 February10am – 2pm
(Face to face)SEHSCT SET GUM Services, Sexual & Reproductive Service and Specialist Homeless Service and Community Health Development Practitioner supporting youth health advice providing Awareness of Healthy Relationships, signposting and advice Re: STI/Pregnancy testing at Mobile Health Hub – SERC – Downpatrick Campus Wednesday
19 February7pm – 8.30pm (Virtual)SEHSCT Developing a Safety First Culture
Guest Speak: Jim Gamble CEO Ineqe Safeguarding Group at Royal College of Nursing Sexual Health Network & Children’s Network Seminar