Devon Sexual Health

20/01/2026

Often mistaken for food poisoning, Shigella causes severe diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), stomach cramps and fever.
It’s caught from tiny amounts of poo getting into your mouth during s*x.
it's best to get medical advice for treatment if you think you have it, mentioning Shigella.
For more information, call the National Sexual Health Helpline
on 0300 123 7123 or visit tht.org.uk/shigella

15/01/2026

National HIV Testing Week kicks off Monday, 9 February! Testing is free, quick, and easy –— plus, you can even do it from home.

Find out more bit.ly/4ivnp9i.

14/01/2026

The University of Hertfordshire is looking for young people aged 16-24 to take part in an advisory group for s*xual health.
You don't need to have a research background or to know anything about research to do this. All you need is to be willing to share your honest views and opinions.
For more information see: https://redcap.herts.ac.uk/surveys/?s=L9APTKETKPLYE8XY

12/01/2026

11/01/2026

We have weekly drop-in appointments for young people with no appointment necessary.
Come and talk to us about STI testing, contraception and more.
Under 18s
Castle Circus Health Centre, Torquay – Tues 2.30 – 5.30pm
Devon Sexual Health, NHS Walk-in Centre, Sidwell Street, Exeter – Tues 3.30 – 5.30pm
Under 21s
First Floor, Barnstaple Health Centre – Weds 2.30 – 5.00pm

10/01/2026

Condoms can help prevent against s*xually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies. If you're aged under 25, you can order free condoms to be delivered to your home.
Find out more at dsh.sh.uk

07/01/2026

✨ Want to order a testing kit?
It’s quick and easy via our website ➔
✅ All you will need is your own email & UK mobile number
🔒 Your info is private and NOT linked to your NHS record.
Order now via your personal health record: www.devons*xualhealth.nhs.uk/myphr/

04/01/2026

Our main clinics in Exeter, Barnstaple and Torquay offer weekly drop-in appointments for young people, simply pop in and you can discuss all your s*xual health needs including contraception, infection testing and treatment.
Under 18s
Castle Circus Health Centre, Torquay – Tues 2.30 – 5.30pm
Devon Sexual Health, NHS Walk-in Centre, Sidwell Street, Exeter – Tues 3.30 – 5.30pm
Under 21s
First Floor, Barnstaple Health Centre – Weds 2.30 – 5.00pm
As these are drop-in clinics, it may be a while before you are seen, so please be prepared to wait.

01/01/2026

Our clinics are closed on bank holidays.
Emergency contraception can be accessed from some Minor Injury Units and pharmacies.
If you think you have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours and require emergency PEP medication, this is available from major hospital A & E departments.
To find local pharmacy opening times, you can search via the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy
Our clinics will be open on Friday 2 Jan. Our team will be very busy during this time, if you wish to make a non-urgent appointment, it may be worth waiting to book at a later date.
You can also book appointments online through your Personal Health Record ➡ devons*xualhealth.nhs.uk/our-clinics/myphr/

31/12/2025

As we look forward to 2026, if you're out celebrating tonight, slip a condom in your pocket.
Not only will it help prevent unwanted pregnancies, but also protect against s*xually transmitted infections.
Under 25s can order free condoms through https://dsh.sh.uk/
Happy New Year!

29/12/2025

'Tis the season for routines to go out of the window, and maybe over indulge - in not just the chocolates and mince pies...
Emergency contraception is not only available from s*xual health clinics, your local pharmacy can also help.
You can find your nearest emergency contraception provider on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/emergency-contraception/

27/12/2025

Devon & Cornwall s*xual assault referral centres offer free specialist help and support for anyone who has been r**ed or s*xually assaulted. You can call the 24 hour information line on 0300 303 4626 or see sarchelp.co.uk for more support.