Sexual Health
Auckland Sexual Health Service aims to provide sexual health care that is client focused, culturally appropriate and of an excellent standard. We are a specialist service offering free and confidential sexual health care including:
- diagnosis and management of sexually transmitted infections and other related conditions including genital skin conditions, genital pain and sexual dysfunction, reproductive health including contraceptive advice
- sexual health counselling
- adult sexual abuse service including the care of related medical, nursing and social issues
- sexual health education, including Peer Sexuality Support programmes for schools
Counselling
The counselling team comprises a male and a female therapist, plus one psychotherapy student. We provide counselling for individuals and couples, for up to 6-10 sessions where necessary. Issues we cover include : sexual functioning, sexuality and gender issues, STI and HIV counselling, non-ACC covered sexual abuse, sexual compulsion. The service is free of charge.
Education Unit
The Education Unit sits alongside the clinical sexual health service and provides a variety of sexual health education and promotion within the community. This work falls broadly into three categories;
- Peer Sexuality Support Programme
- Community Education
- Community Health Promotion.
Peer Sexuality Support Programme
The Peer Sexuality Support Programme (PSSP) is a school based programme which is currently delivered in 25 secondary schools throughout the Auckland region and is about helping students to make informed decisions about their own sexual health.
The PSSP aims to formalise already existing networks through training students to work in a support and referral role with their peers. The training involves a four day experiential, residential hui in which students explore their own attitudes and values for in relation to sexuality and sexual health as well as those of others. Through a number of workshop presentations students are provided with accurate information and access to resources which they can then use to assist others within their communities when they return to school.
Community Education
The Education Unit provides education sessions on sexuality and related safer sex topics to various community organisations. Workshops are carried out with a variety of community groups which include health professionals, schools, Alcohol and Drug programmes, Mental Health programmes, alternative education and youth justice.
Our education service is charged out on a sliding scale depending on the organisation that we are working with.
Community Health Promotion
Each year the Education Unit attends a number of community events promoting condom use and safer sex as well as encouraging people to remember to take care of their sexual health by going for regular check-ups. If you know of an event that you think would be good for us to attend, drop us a line.
Sexual assault (Pohutukawa)
Pohutukawa is a free specialist medical and forensic service for adult women and men who have been sexually assaulted or abused.
We are committed to providing the highest quality health service that is sensitive, appropriate, accessible and that acknowledges social and cultural differences.
You may be referred by your GP, counsellor, family planning clinic, HELP, Police or your situation can be assessed and we can give advice, arrange an appointment or refer you to someone who can help.
At appointments health issues will be discussed. Any examinations or tests will ONLY be done if you want.
You may also self-refer by telephone. For contact numbers and opening times click here
