HALTON residents are invited to help shape the future of local sexual health services.

Halton Council and Halton Clinical Commissioning Group are keen to provide people in Widnes and Runcorn accessible, modern, confidential and easy-to-use sexual health services.

You can now have a say on what type of sexual health services are important to them, whether it’s contraception needs, concerns about sexual identity or how to keep healthy and free from sexually transmitted infections.

Halton Cllr Marie Wright, board member for health, said: “It is very important that we get this right.

"People in Halton need clear information to support them in making healthy choices around their sexual health and support if treatment is needed. We welcome the views of local people, whatever their age or sexuality.

The review will cover areas such as relationships, sex, STIs,contraception, pregnancy and parenthood.

The aim is to ensure services are both fit for purpose and value for money; the findings will be used to improve quality and to inform future decisions about the services.

People are urged to complete the sexual health survey at: https://www.halton.gov.uk/questionnaire/sexualhealthserviceshalton.htm For further information on contraception and sexual health visit www.getiton.org.uk or call 0845 155 0156 You can also get 24/7 sexual health information by text in Halton in a scheme launched by Halton Borough Council and partners, in an innovative scheme which aims to cut teen pregnancy.

The Halton and St Helen's Sexual Health Text Helpline is free of charge and gives information as well as up to date on changes in clinic details and times.

To access the service text 'SHR' for Runcorn, 'SHW' for Widnes and 'SHS' for St Helens to 07860 002019.

The Get It On campaign also works closely with GP practices in the distribution of condoms as an infection and pregnancy prevention method.

The latest findings from the Health Protection Agency shows Chlamydia is the greatest infection diagnosed at Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinics across Halton and St Helens among those aged 24 years and below.

Chlamydia is an invisible and silent infection. It is easily transmitted, does not discriminate and anybody can catch it if they are sexually active.

Many people remain undiagnosed, and if untreated Chlamydia can lead to infertility. If you are worried contact your local Sexual Health or Genito-Urinary clinic (details available on the number above or the “Get It On” website.)