Specialist training organisation SWAD (Sex With A Difference) has just launched a ground-breaking, two-year, disability access campaign. The “Better Access for Better Access” campaign goal is to have at least one hoisting system, and a set of leg supports, on at least one examination couch, in every sexual health clinic and GP surgery in the UK, by 31 December 2024.
Dorset Chamber Member and Founder and CEO of SWAD, Lorraine Stanley, knows from the hundreds of disabled people she has supported through her work, that there are still many barriers to disabled people in accessing sexual and reproductive healthcare. Many health providers are keen to reduce health inequalities faced by the people who use their services, but fail to recognise the lack of people with disabilities attending clinics.
The campaign is UK-wide and is open to people of all gender identities. It started on 1 February 2023, and will run until 31 December 2024.
Alongside a social media campaign (#BA4BA), SWAD will actively engage with existing networks like NHS Integrated Care Systems, Sexual Health organisations, GP networks, Disability organisations, Disabled people and equipment providers. There will be virtual and in-person meetings, and awareness-raising events across the UK.
SWAD are encouraging both health providers, and disabled people, to support their campaign by emailing SWAD with their experiences of healthcare appointments, both positive and negative. The email address is Admin@SwadDorset.org putting “Better Access” in the subject heading. Alternatively, they can write to SWAD Dorset, PO Box 9532, POOLE, BH15 9HY
www.SwadDorset.org