Monday 10-02-2025 - 10:15

Hello everyone, the much-anticipated SHAG week is back and better than ever. As one of my manifesto points this year, I wanted to have a campaign centred around sexual health awareness and I am incredibly proud of everything that is to come in the next week to support honest conversations about sex, right here on Exton Park.

Sexual health is not just about the prevention of STIs – it’s about education, empowerment and fun, that’s why we will be helping to start the conversation between you all so you can make informed decisions and take away any stigma.

Why sexual health matters

Sexual health is often misunderstood or even stigmatised. It’s often a topic we are told not to talk about, but why? Sex is a natural part of many of our lives, and being able to have open and honest conversations helps us navigate relationships, identity, and personal boundaries. It’s crucial that we equip ourselves with accurate information and the support we need to make choices that are right for us. This is about more than just preventing disease or unwanted pregnancies - it’s about creating a culture where everyone feels safe, respected, and empowered to take control of their sexual wellbeing.

What my campaign aims to achieve

Through this campaign, I will aim to:

1. Raise awareness: We want to break the stigma surrounding sexual health and create an environment where open conversations are encouraged, not feared.

2. Provide education: We will offer educational resources on topics like contraception, STI prevention and consent. No question is too small, and no topic is off-limits. Keep an eye out for our A-Z of Sex coming soon!

3. Ensure access: We will work to ensure that every student knows where to access free, confidential health services. Did you know CSU is now an express pick-up point for you to get your STI testing kit? Head down to the CSU building to pick yours up.

4. Promote inclusivity: Sexual health is not one-size-fits-all. We are committed to making sure all students, regardless of gender, sexuality, or background, feel represented and supported in this campaign.

5. Encourage conversation: Communication is at the core of every healthy relationship. Our campaign will emphasise this by helping to start that conversation, so get involved in our interviews here on campus for our social media.

Get involved

This isn’t just my campaign - it’s our campaign. I’m inviting you all to get involved in any way you can. Whether that’s attending our SHAG week pop up outside Binks building on the 11/02/25, where we will have stalls with freebies and informational resources, or by sharing your own experiences by getting involved with our interviews for our social media. Or, you can simply help spread the word by sharing the work we are doing, every action counts.

We will also be distributing resources across campus, so look out for me dressed in a very pink costume…

The power of education

Sexual health education is not just a right - it’s a responsibility we share as a community. When we are informed and empowered, we can make better choices that benefit our health, relationships, and overall well-being. By engaging in this campaign, we are taking a step toward fostering a community culture where respect, understanding, and personal empowerment are the norms, not the exceptions.

I encourage each of you to join me in making this campaign a success in whatever way is most comfortable for you. Let’s create a space where no one feels ashamed to ask questions and where everyone knows where to turn for support.

Stay tuned for more updates. Together, we can make a once-shamed topic fun again!

Thanks, Lily x 

See also: Lily's A-Z of Sex!