Sahir launched its new HIV prevention campaign, “Sex Happens. PrEP Helps.”, at Crosby Library on 15 September, with Ben Youden among the local people helping to bring its message to life.

The campaign puts real faces and real stories at the centre of conversations about PrEP. Its message is deliberately straightforward: people have sex, and everyone deserves clear information about the choices that can help them stay healthy. By speaking openly and without judgement, Sahir hopes to reach people who may never have considered whether PrEP is right for them.

PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is medication that prevents HIV when taken correctly. It is available free through NHS sexual health services in England. Yet knowing it exists is only the first step. People also need to feel comfortable asking questions, discussing their circumstances and finding out how to access it.

That is why Ben’s involvement matters. Seeing a local person lend his face and voice to the campaign can make a health message feel less distant and easier to talk about. Sahir’s launch at Crosby Library brought that conversation into a familiar community space, where it belongs.

Sex happens. PrEP helps. Let’s talk about it.