Sexual Health Awareness Training Course

Sexual health is a vital part of overall health and wellbeing. In health and social care settings, professionals play an important role in promoting positive sexual health, preventing harm, and ensuring that individuals can access safe, respectful, and inclusive services.

This Sexual Health Awareness Training Course provides learners with a clear understanding of sexual health, public health priorities, legal responsibilities, and safeguarding considerations. It supports staff to approach sexual health confidently, sensitively, and in line with UK legislation and best practice.

Why Take This eLearning Course?

Sexual health is often a sensitive topic, yet it has a direct impact on physical health, mental wellbeing, relationships, and quality of life. Health and social care professionals need the knowledge and confidence to support individuals appropriately, while respecting consent, confidentiality, and safeguarding duties.

This course will help you to:

• Understand sexual health as part of public health and wellbeing
• Challenge personal attitudes and biases that may affect care
• Recognise common sexual health issues and routes to support
• Understand consent, safeguarding, and legal responsibilities
• Promote sexual health education and prevention effectively

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Define sexual health and explain its role in public health
• Outline key UK public health targets and strategies related to sexual health
• Reflect on how personal attitudes and beliefs can influence sexual health care
• Identify common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and how they are screened and treated
• Explain the importance of regular sexual health checks and prevention
• Describe common contraception methods and how choices are made
• Understand the legal and practical aspects of young people’s sexual health
• Explain consent, confidentiality, safeguarding, and health inequalities
• Recognise sexual difficulties, abuse, and harmful practices
• Apply safeguarding protocols in sexual health contexts

Sexual Health Awareness Course Outline

Module 1: Sexual Health and Public Health
Learners will explore what sexual health means and why it is an important part of public health. This module explains how sexual health contributes to overall wellbeing and population health outcomes. Learners will also be introduced to key public health targets and strategies aimed at improving sexual health, reducing sexually transmitted infections, and promoting informed, responsible choices.

Module 2: Attitudes, Beliefs, and Professional Practice
This module focuses on how personal attitudes, values, and beliefs can influence sexual health care. Learners will understand the importance of self-awareness in recognising bias and maintaining professional boundaries. The module highlights how reflective practice supports inclusive, respectful, and non-judgemental sexual health services.

Module 3: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Learners will develop an understanding of common sexually transmitted infections, including how they are transmitted and their potential health impacts. This module explains screening methods, treatment options, and the importance of regular sexual health checks. Learners will also explore prevention strategies and the role of education in reducing transmission.

Module 4: Contraception and Reproductive Choice
This module introduces common contraception methods and their uses. Learners will understand how different methods work and the factors influencing contraceptive choice, such as effectiveness, lifestyle, health needs, and personal preferences. The module supports informed decision-making and respectful discussions about reproductive health.

Module 5: Young People and Sexual Health
Learners will explore the legal and practical aspects of young people’s sexual health. This module covers challenges such as consent, confidentiality, safeguarding, and access to services. Learners will also examine how health inequalities can affect young people’s sexual health outcomes and how professionals can reduce barriers to support.

Module 6: Sexual Difficulties, Abuse, and Harm
This module addresses sexual difficulties and their impact on individuals’ physical and emotional wellbeing. Learners will explore the medico-legal aspects of sexual assault and intimate partner violence, including professional responsibilities. The module also defines female genital mutilation (FGM) and outlines its legal implications within the UK.

Module 7: Sexual Consent
Learners will gain a clear understanding of sexual consent and its importance in healthy relationships. This module explains how consent can be given, withheld, or withdrawn, and why consent must be ongoing and freely given. Learners will also explore effective ways to communicate consent clearly and respectfully.

Module 8: Sexual Health Promotion and Education
This module focuses on the role of health promotion in improving sexual health awareness and outcomes. Learners will explore practical approaches to education and prevention, including how digital platforms and social media can be used responsibly and effectively to share accurate sexual health information.

Module 9: Safeguarding and Sexual Health
Learners will develop an understanding of safeguarding in the context of sexual health. This module explains professional responsibilities and protocols for addressing concerns such as child sexual exploitation and unhealthy or abusive relationships. Learners will understand how early identification and appropriate action help protect individuals and promote safety.

Target Audience

This course is suitable for:

• Health and social care workers
• Support workers and care assistants
• Youth workers and family support staff
• Education and community professionals
• Anyone supporting individuals with sexual health needs

No previous specialist knowledge is required.

FAQ

How long does the course take?
Most learners complete the course in 2 to 3 hours, depending on pace.

Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. A certificate is issued on successful completion.

Is this course relevant to UK health and social care practice?
Yes. The content reflects UK legislation, safeguarding expectations, and public health guidance.

Does the course cover safeguarding and consent?
Yes. Safeguarding, consent, confidentiality, and legal duties are central themes throughout the course.

Sexual health awareness supports dignity, safety, and equality. When professionals understand sexual health, consent, and safeguarding, they are better equipped to protect individuals, promote wellbeing, and reduce harm.

Enrol on the Sexual Health Awareness Training Course today

Build confidence, promote wellbeing, and support safe, respectful sexual health care.