Our Community Action Fund (CAF) supports local projects aimed at improving sexual health outcomes for people and communities at risk of poor sexual health.
Launched in 2020, the scheme helps us to reach more communities and raise awareness about sexual health support.
We want everyone to feel empowered about their sexual wellbeing and comfortable about accessing our services. But in truth, some people do not want to speak to us.
So, we need to work harder to reach people. This is where our CAF comes in. It helps us reach new audiences, breaking down the barriers and stigmas that get in the way of better sexual health.
From arts schemes to sports programmes, the CAF supports a variety of sexual health projects in the region.
Project funding lasts for up to 1 year and can be used for short-term projects or a way to kickstart longer-term work. It can be used to fund project essentials such as staff costs, campaign ads and mobile outreach.
We look for projects that:
- are innovative and meaningful in terms of how they engage with communities
- provide services in community-based settings that people can get to easily
- promote access to free condoms and STI screening
Whether you’re setting up a new community project, a group to promote better sexual health, or planning a new campaign, the Community Action Fund can help you.
If your project’s chosen, we can offer you:
- up to £5,000 of funding for 1 year
- sexual health promotion training to help your staff
- supplies of condoms, STI screening postal kits and promotional materials
The annual funding round opens every September for projects starting early the following year.
Please contact dchst.
Derbyshire Fly worked with young people to explore some of the challenges they face when accessing sexual health services.
It invited 7 groups of local pupils to work with an artist to talk through these issues and then create meaningful artwork, which was later exhibited.
The young people talked about:
- how changing clinic hours and improving digital services can widen access
- the need for clarity about confidentiality and inclusion
- sexual health stigmas
- ways to promote the broad range of sexual health support available
The project was run by the Education Improvement Service, working closely with partners including the Family Health Service and Your Sexual Health Matters (YSHM).
One strength of the project was that young people led it, giving them a creative outlet to express what was most relevant to them. Art creates safe spaces for people to relax, connect and discuss sensitive subjects more openly.
The project is continuing to benefit young people in the region. It’s helped local schools find new ways to enhance their relationships and sex education (RSE) curriculum, so we’re reaching even more young people.
Want to know more about this CAF case study project? Email cs.