PEOPLE across Wiltshire could soon find it easier to access sexual health advice, contraception and testing under a new five-year strategy designed to remove barriers and make support simpler to find.

Wiltshire Council has launched its Sexual Health Strategy for 2026 to 2031 with a focus on helping residents feel informed, confident and supported at every stage of life.

The strategy comes after concerns that many residents still face obstacles to getting help, including long travel distances, difficulty booking appointments and confusion over what services are available.

Young people are a major focus, with those aged 15 to 24 accounting for almost half of all new sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnoses locally.

The strategy aims to improve education, awareness and early support to help prevent problems before they escalate.

The council said the new plan also recognises that some communities experience poorer sexual health outcomes and may need more tailored support, particularly people living in deprived areas and some minority groups.

Cabinet member for public health and co ordination with the NHS Cllr Clare Cape said: “This strategy is about people’s everyday lives.

“It’s about making sure that no matter who you are or where you live in Wiltshire, you can get the advice, care and support you need without barriers or judgement.

“We’ve listened to residents and staff, and what they’ve told us is clear. Services need to be easier to find, easier to use and designed around real lives. This strategy is a big step towards making that happen.

“Good sexual health is about much more than services. It’s about people feeling informed, confident and supported in their everyday lives. This strategy is about making that a reality for everyone and ensuring people can get the help they need, when they need it.”

The plan has been developed with healthcare, community and voluntary organisations, as well as residents and frontline staff, with improvements expected over the next five years including better online services, stronger education and easier access to support.