Surrey Event Addresses Sexual Health for Individuals with Learning Disabilities

An upcoming community gathering in Surrey is designed to promote discussions about sex and relationships among individuals with learning disabilities. This initiative, named ‘Shout about Sex,’ seeks to dismantle obstacles related to sexual health by initiating candid dialogues among people with learning disabilities and special educational needs (SEN). It is scheduled for Friday 22 November, from 12:00 to 15:00 GMT, at Woodhatch Place in Reigate. Carla Withers, a community learning disability nurse based in Surrey, informed the BBC that people with learning disabilities “are sometimes overlooked when it comes to sex and relationships and it’s really important that they get provided with appropriate education and support”. The gathering will feature 12 distinct stalls, each presenting various resources pertaining to different facets of sex and relationships, such as an accessible publication on consent and legal matters. Ms Withers stated: “Sexual rights is a human right for everybody and people with learning disabilities are included in that.” She added: “It’s a nice open event, we have a place for people if it gets too overwhelming, everything is easily accessible.” The event is being organized by Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with Surrey County Council, Central North West London NHS Trust’s Sexual Health Services, Sunnybank Trust, Proactive Community, and Oliver McGowan. Individuals aged 16 and above are eligible to attend and are encouraged to bring their family members, friends, and carers. The NHS Trust indicated its intention to host additional similar events within Surrey.