Sahir is marking Sexual Health Week by encouraging people across Liverpool City Region to talk more openly about sex, relationships, HIV and looking after their sexual health.
Sexual Health Week runs from 14–20 September 2026, with this year’s theme “Let’s Connect” – highlighting the importance of meaningful connections with ourselves, our partners and our communities.
At Sahir, we believe connection starts with conversation.
That means being able to talk about sex without embarrassment. Talking about testing without fear. Talking about condoms and PrEP without judgement. Talking about consent, relationships and what we want from them.
And crucially, it means talking about HIV without stigma.
Simon Harris, Chief Executive of Sahir, said:
“Sexual health is health. It shouldn’t be something whispered about, hidden away or surrounded by shame.
“We have extraordinary tools available to us today. We can test for HIV quickly, PrEP can prevent HIV and, when somebody living with HIV is on effective treatment and has an undetectable viral load, they cannot pass HIV on sexually.
“But medical progress only gets us so far. We also have to tackle the stigma, embarrassment and inequality that can stop people accessing those tools in the first place.
“Sexual Health Week is an opportunity to talk – and the more openly and honestly we talk, the healthier our communities become.”
Local Faces, Real Stories
Sexual Health Week also sees Sahir launch its new Liverpool City Region PrEP campaign, Local Faces, Real Stories, at Crosby Library at 6pm on Tuesday 15 September.
The campaign features 14 people from across Liverpool City Region portrayed by Liverpool artist Ben Youdan and aims to make PrEP more visible, better understood and free from stigma.
PrEP – pre-exposure prophylaxis – is medication taken by people who do not have HIV to prevent them acquiring the virus. When taken correctly, it is highly effective at preventing HIV through sex and is available free through NHS sexual health services.
Simon added:
“We want people to take control of their sexual health and to feel good about doing it.
“Getting tested is responsible. Using condoms is responsible. Taking PrEP is responsible. Asking questions is responsible.
“There is no shame in looking after yourself or the people you have sex with.
“So this Sexual Health Week, let’s connect, let’s talk and let’s consign sexual health stigma to the past.”
Sahir provides sexual health information, safer sex resources, support for people living with HIV and advice and signposting across Liverpool City Region.
