Hounslow Council Launches Major Sexual Health Campaign
STIs have risen by 31% over last five years among young people
Animated video aims to bust myths about sexual health
July 14, 2025
Hounslow Council has launched a major sexual health campaign in response to a rising number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the borough, particular among young people,
It has teamed up with Sexual Health Hounslow (SHH), which is part of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in an attempt to bust common myths around sexual health, STIs and contraception. It is also working with Sexual Health London (SHL) to promote free STI testing kits people can use at home.
The campaign launched this Monday (14 July) with an animated video and social media campaign that seeks to helping people to separate fact from fiction. Some of the myths out there include using the pull out method to avoid unwanted pregnancies, avoiding STIs by only having one partner, and even catching infections through toilet seats!
The initiative has been prompted by a 31% increase in STIs among people under 24 in Hounslow since 2020 and one of the main aims is to raise awareness of the availability of free home testing kits that people can order via SHL. STI testing is crucial for keeping STI rates down, even if people are displaying no symptoms.
One exception to this is chlamydia. Rates have steadily decreased due to an extensive programme of screening. There were 138 cases detected in Hounslow among girls aged 15-24 in 2024, down from 216 in 2020 – a decrease of 36%. However, screening rates for chlamydia have started to drop. There were 1,889 screenings in 2024 among girls aged 15-24, down from 2,270 in 2021 – a decrease of 17%.
Dr Ellen Dwyer, Clinical Lead at Sexual Health Hounslow, said, “With this campaign, we want young people from all backgrounds to feel confident and empowered in relation to their sexual health. We want everyone to have a good understanding of potential risks, and how to avoid and overcome these.
“We want to increase knowledge relating to STI testing and contraception use, and make young people aware that these can be accessed easily – not just in the traditional clinic environment, but also online and in pharmacies.”
Councillor Lily Bath, Hounslow Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Transformation, added, “The video we’ve produced together busts some of the most prevalent myths about sexual health and unwanted pregnancy. It’s a powerful tool to keep young people informed and safe from illness.
“Sexual health is just as important as physical and mental health, so it’s important we support people to look after theirs.
“With rising STI cases and screening rates for chlamydia falling, campaigns like this are so important”.
Anyone can order a free home testing kit for STIs on the Sexual Health London website: myth.shl.uk.
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