Sexual Health Week provides an opportunity to raise awareness about sexual health.
The toolkit is designed to help individuals, community groups, advocates, and organisations to actively engage with and promote this year’s Sexual Health Week campaign theme Trusted sources of sexual health information.
Produced and published by: Public Health Agency (PHA) teams – Communications and Health Improvement
Target Population: Population-wide, with focus on individuals and communities supported by statutory, community and voluntary organisations.
Dates: 14– 21 February 2026
Theme: Trusted sources of Sexual Health Information
Hashtags: #SexualHealthWeekNI2026 #WhoDoYouListenTo
Slogan: Who do you listen to? – a good place to start: www.sexualhealthni.info
Be part of this campaign:
- 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
Access the toolkit below for key messaging, ideas on how to participate and promote Sexual Health Week, marketing materials (including social media posts, digital posters and banners):
-
Event toolkit messaging , objective, ideas on how to participate, FAQs
The event toolkit is designed to help you get involved and promote Sexual Health Week effectively.
You can download the PHA Event Toolkit Sexual Health Week 2026 in PDF format or scroll down for all the information.
Sexual Health Action Plan Objectives 2023-2026:
Obj. 5 Create a culture of openness about sexual and reproductive health and empower people with the information they need to make informed choices.
Obj. 6 Establish effective mechanisms for optimal communication and collaboration with stakeholders and service providers.
Sexual Health Week key messages
- To signpost to reliable and accurate sexual health information sources, including the Sexual Health NI website.
- To increase awareness of sexual health services and how to access them.
- To encourage individuals to seek information from reliable sources and advice from health professionals.
- To promote inclusivity by being sensitive to those with diverse beliefs including vulnerable populations and people with diverse beliefs, including vulnerable populations and those who may face barriers to accessing care, ensuring messages resonate with all audiences.
- Reliable sexual health information is widely available. The key message for this campaign is to promote evidence-based sexual health information and to provide trusted resources to the public. A good place to start is: www.sexualhealthni.info.
- There are many positives to social media, but it is important to double- check that information is accurate and reliable. See the websites below and the “How to fact-check sexual health information” section.
Sexual health services and information:
- BHSCT: Sexual health and HIV services | Belfast Health & Social Care Trust website
- WHSCT: Genitourinary Medicine and HIV Clinic | Western Health & Social Care Trust
Sexual and Reproductive Health Services | Western Health & Social Care Trust - SEHSCT: Sexual Health Service – South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust
- NHSCT: Contraceptive and Sexual Health Services – Northern Health and Social Care Trust
- SHSCT: Sexual Health | Southern Health & Social Care Trust
- NHS: Sexual health – Live Well – NHS
- SH:24: Free Home STI (STD) Test | Sexual Health Kit & Contraception | SH:24;
- Common Youth: Free & Confidential Sexual Health & Wellbeing Advice | Common Youth
How to participate
Collaborate with partners
By supporting this campaign, you can contribute to the promotion of positive and accurate sexual health information.
Host or attend Sexual Health Week events
- In-person: Host or attend community workshops, panel discussions, information stalls/tables, or outreach activities to facilitate open conversations, collaborate with healthcare professionals to raise awareness.
- Virtual: Organise webinars, live Q&As, virtual peer talks during Sexual Health Week NI 2026.
- Click on Scheduled events tab below to participate in your area.
Frequently asked questionsThis campaign is focused on promoting evidence-based sexual health information and to provide reliable resources to the public.
- Question: How will I know if I have an STI?
Answer: STIs can be asymptomatic, meaning there may be no physical signs of the infection. STIs don’t discriminate, a single encounter can transmit infections. Regular STI testing is critical for everyone, regardless of relationship status. Free Home STI (STD) Test | Sexual Health Kit & Contraception | SH:24 - Question: Does the pills, patches or IUDs prevent infection?
Answer: Birth control prevents pregnancy but offers zero STI protection. Condoms are your best bet against infections.
Condoms (male) – Sexual Health NI - Question: Will being on my period prevent me from getting pregnant?Answer: While rare, pregnancy is possible. Sperm can survive for up to five days, and ovulation cycles can be irregular. Always use protection like condoms when avoiding pregnancy.
- Question: Is discomfort during sex normal?
Answer: If you have concerns see a sexual health professional for advice and ensure you attend regular screenings, practice safe sex and never hesitate to ask questions – your health deserves it! Psychosexual difficulties and painful sex % Sexual Health NI - Question: Does my GP have access to my sexual health clinic records?
Answer: Sexual health clinic records are kept confidential within that service. Information is not shared with other parts of the HSCNI without your knowledge or consent. - Question: Does taking the pill cause weight gain?
Answer: There is no evidence that taking the pill will cause weight gain although some women may retain fluid temporarily. If side effects continue after three months, visit your GP or a sexual health professional for further advice and alternative options - Question: Will taking the pill affect my fertility?
Answer: No, being on hormonal birth control, such as the pill, does not affect your long-term fertility. Most people can conceive shortly after stopping the pill.
If you would like to know more about the different types of contraception, click here to access methods of contraception available in Northern Ireland.
Information overload: How to fact-check sexual health informationThere is a vast amount of sexual health information online. Follow these steps to ensure you are using reliable, evidence-based sources.
How to fact-check sexual health Information
Identify reliable sources:
- Look for information from reputable organisations such as government health departments, recognised medical institutions, or established sexual health organisations.
- Trusted sources: sexualhealthni.info and HSCNI, NHS or WHO are excellent starting points for getting accurate information.
Cross-reference information:
- Check multiple reputable sources to see if information is consistent.
Consult healthcare professionals:
- If you have a specific question or concern, consider reaching out to a healthcare provider or a sexual health clinic. They can provide personalised advice and clarify any doubts you may have about the information your find online.
Evaluation and impact
- Share how you use the toolkit and report on social media engagement, hashtag reach, website visits, downloads, and event participation on your channels and platforms.
- Collect feedback from participants to measure awareness and engagement and send us some quotes.
-
Social media posts, banners, posters, email signature
Ready-to-use content (posts, images) for Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, websites.
Follow us to stay up to date with this initiative:
- Facebook @PublicHealthAgency
- Instagram – @PublicHealthNI
- LinkedIn – Public-Health-Agency-pha
- X – @PublicHealthNI
- Vimeo – PublicHealthAgency
- YouTube – PublicHealthAgency
- Websites – Public Health Agency, Sexual Health NI
Hashtags to use:
- #SexualHealthWeekNI2026
- #WhoDoYouListenTo
Tagging:
X Facebook Instagram - @healthdpt
- @commonyouth_
- @PositiveLife_NI
- @ICNI2019
- @DepartmentOfHealthNI
- @commonyyouthbelfast
- @TheRainbowProjectNI
- @PositiveLifeNI
- @InformingChoicesNI
- @department_of_health_ni
- @common_youth
- @therainbowprojectni
- @positivelife_ni
- @informing.choices
Social media graphics and posts to be used during the SHW 2026
Graphic Caption 
The theme of this year’s Sexual Health Week campaign (14-21 February) is Sexual Health Information: who do you listen to? Reliable and trusted information and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at the link below. www.sexualhealthni.info . #WorldSexualHealthWeek2026NI
#WhoDoYouListenTo
Sexual Health Week (14-21 February) Whether you’re in a relationship or not, it’s healthy to talk about sex. However, many people can feel embarrassed discussing their sexual health with a parent, leading them to look for information and advice from less reputable sources.
A good reliable place to start is www.sexualhealthni.info.
#WorldSexualHealthWeek2026NI
#WhoDoYouListenTo
The theme of this year’s Sexual Health Week campaign (14-21 February) is Sexual Health Information: who do you listen to? Information overload?
There is a vast amount of sexual health information online. Here are 3 easy steps you can take to be sure you are making informed decisions from reliable resources. Identify a reliable source for information, Cross Reference what you read and if in doubt Consult a professional.
Start with websites like www.sexualhealthni.info
Being informed about sexual health gives you the confidence to make decisions about your own body and to understand what is right for you.#WorldSexualHealthWeek2026NI
#WhoDoYouListenToPosters, web banner, email signature (digital only)
These digital materials were designed to promote Sexual Health Week for use of public, clinics, schools, universities and workplaces are available to download.
Download below:
Posters and social media posts How to use it: Optimised for printing, online news and sharing on social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X)
Click to download poster 1 
Click to download poster 2 
Click to download poster 3 
Click to download insta 1 
Click to download insta 2 
Click to download insta 3 
Web banner and email signature How to use it: Add to websites, newsletters, email footers to spread the message.
Email signature (download) 
-
Press release
Press release
Access the press release on PHA’s corporate site news page on Wednesday 11 February 2026.
-
Scheduled events organised across the Trusts and regionally
Scheduled events
BHSCT Area
Date Organisation Location Details of event 10 February 2026 5-8pm The Rainbow Project LGBT Centre 23-31 Waring Street, Belfast, BT1 2DX Rapid HIV & Syphilis Clinic 17 February 1.30-4.00pm BHSCT ONLINE Sexual Health Week themed HIV Awareness sessions for HSC staff Staff can book through LearnHSCNI
19 February 1.30-4.00pm BHSCT ONLINE Sexual Health Week themed HIV Awareness sessions for HSC staff Staff can book through LearnHSCNI
28 February 2026 Informing Choices NI MAC Theatre, Belfast, BT1 2NJ Wasted, a challenging play that explores themes of binge drinking and sexual assault. The performance will be followed by a facilitated post-show discussion with Q&A with a panel of experts. This is a public event. For further information please email: info@informingchoicesni.org SHSCT Area
Date Organisation Location Details of event 24 February 2026 10-12noon SHSCT Trust HQ, CAH 10-12 HIV awareness Training Staff can book through LearnHSCNI
25 February 2026 10.30-11.30am SHSCT Online Contraception: Choice, Access & Influence For link to join contact:
3 March 2026 10-12.30pm SHSCT Online LGBTQ+awareness training For link to join contact:
4 March 2026 10.30-11.30am SHSCT Online Masculinity, Misogyny and Incel Training For link to join contact:
11 March 2026 10.30-11.30am SHSCT Online Sextortion Webinar For link to join contact:
25 March 2026 10.30-11.30am SHSCT Online Pornography and Sexual Development Webinar For link to join contact:
WHSCT AreaDate Organisation Location Details of event 10 February 2026 WHSCT Sexual Health & HIV Team Online Sexual Health Matters awareness session with the WHSCT Sexual Health and HIV Team 10.30am-11.30am For link to join contact: Ann.Linstrom@westerntrust.hscni.net
NHSCT Area
Date Organisation Location Details of event 3 February 2026 Common Youth CAFRE-Greenmount Sexual Health Workshops promoting evidence-based information 4 February 2026 Common Youth CAFRE-Loughry Sexual Health Workshops promoting evidence-based information 20 February 2026 Informing Choices NI Dunsilly Hotel, 20 Dunsilly Road, Antrim, BT41 2JH RSE roundtable with SEN schools. This is a private event facilitated by Informing Choices NI SEHSCT Area
Date Organisation Location Details of event 3 February 2026 SERC/SET Youth Health Advice service/GUM/SRS SERC Campus- Newtownards Love your College 16 February 2026 SET and SE community and voluntary organisations Morning Awareness event Downpatrick Health Relationship for People with Learning Disability and those who support them 17 February 2026 Women’s Aid NI/Royal College of Nursing Sexual Health & Justice and Secure Settings Networks Nursing leads from SET & NHSCT Virtual – open to everybody to attend you don’t need to be an RCN member but you do need to register via RCN On-going SEHSCT/South Eastern Domestic & Sexual Abuse Partnership INEQE Safeguarding Group/TEO/DOJ/DOH/Belfast & Lisburn Women’s Aid SET TV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvdaLb_mMOE Ongoing SET Community Health Development Practitioner Caroline McGrath in collaboration with SET Inclusion Service developed and disseminated QR code increasing accessible information from PHA website www.sexualhealthni.info Regional
Date Organisation Location Details of event 14 -21 February 2026 Common Youth Ad shell bus/train shelters Live advertisements promoting C-Card Ongoing Common Youth Online Promoting factual information via Instagram and TikTok Ongoing BHSCT HIV Awareness Sessions This is available to all HSC staff via LearnHSCNI -
Additional resources
- Follow the link to access the PDF version of the PHA Event Toolkit Sexual Health Week 2026.
- C-card condom scheme toolkit (promotional materials for professionals) – The information about the C-card Condom Scheme, the providers and promotional materials can be found on Condoms (male) – Sexual Health NI page.
- Informing Choices NI – Sexual Health Week video campaign
- Sexual health services and information:
- BHSCT: Sexual health and HIV services | Belfast Health & Social Care Trust website
- WHSCT: Genitourinary Medicine and HIV Clinic | Western Health & Social Care Trust
Sexual and Reproductive Health Services | Western Health & Social Care Trust - SEHSCT: Sexual Health Service – South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust
- NHSCT: Contraceptive and Sexual Health Services – Northern Health and Social Care Trust
- SHSCT: Sexual Health | Southern Health & Social Care Trust
- NHS: Sexual health – Live Well – NHS
- SH:24: Free Home STI (STD) Test | Sexual Health Kit & Contraception | SH:24;
- Common Youth: Free & Confidential Sexual Health & Wellbeing Advice | Common Youth
- Looking after your sexual health | HSC Public Health Agency
- Sexual health | nidirect
