This two-stage project was initially funded by Public Health England's Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV Innovation Fund in 2022/21; and the postnatal contraception project was funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, Sexual and Reproductive Health team in 2022/23.
Stage 1 of the project focused on developing resources and training to enhance health visitors' knowledge, confidence and understanding of sexual and reproductive health. Working in partnership with leading experts, including the College of Sexual and Reproductive Health, the project team developed a comprehensive e-learning programme that explores a wide range of sexual and reproductive health topics and also applies directly to health visiting practice.
The programme includes modules on using the PLISSIT Framework to support sensitive conversations on sexual and reproductive health, applying Making Every Contact Count (MECC) principles and the 3As of Very Brief Advice tools, and integrating these approaches into health visitor universal contacts. Alongside the e-learning, the project produced a range of practical resources, including Good Practice Points, an A-Z of useful organisations, and a digital leaflet to support conversations with parents.
📖 End of project report - Sexual and Reproductive Health (Apr 2022)
Stage 2 - Postnatal contraception: Building on the foundations of the sexual and reproductive health project, the project co-developed a bespoke postnatal contraception training programme for health visitors in partnership with Teesside University, local health visitors and families. Designed to strengthen and extend the health visitor's universal role in providing postnatal contraception advice, the half-day training equips practitioners with up-to-date knowledge of contraceptive options and effective ways to discuss postnatal contraception with families.
This project supports national ambitions to reduce unplanned and unwanted pregnancies, and promote informed pregnancy planning and reproductive choice.
Alongside the training programme, a suite of supporting resources was developed, including e-learning and Postnatal Contraception Good Practice Points - helping health visitors to embed high-quality contraception advice within routine contacts and holistic family care.
The training programme, e-learning and Good Practice Points have all been endorsed by the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH), recognising their quality and relevance to practice.
Find out more about the training programme here.