Useful links
This section provides details and links to some of the key organisations and agencies with an interest in sexual health and wellbeing in Scotland.
Please note that these links may direct you to external sites and the content and views shared are not the responsibility of The Scottish Government.
BASHH - British Association of Sexual Health and HIV
The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV - BASHH - was formed in 2003 through the merger of the Medical Society for the Study of Venereal Diseases (MSSVD, established 1922) and the Association for Genito Urinary Medicine (AGUM, established 1992). It provides clinical effectiveness guidelines.
British HIV Association
The British HIV Association, BHIVA, is committed to advancing public education in the subjects of HIV and the symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention of HIV related illnesses through the promotion of research and the dissemination of the useful results of such research. It produces guidelines on the management of people with HIV based on current practice and evidence as well as working closely with a range of partners including BASHH, HIV Scotland and Childrens HIV Association.
Caledonia Youth
Caledonia Youth provides confidential support in both educational and clinical environments to enable all the young people of Scotland to make informed responsible choices about their personal and sexual relationships.
CARE Scotland
With a Scottish base in Glasgow, CARE is a mainstream Christian charity that undertakes a variety of social caring and educational programmes as well as research and lobbying on associated issues. In relation to sexual health, Care has recently circulated 'Sex and Relationship Education in Scotland: a guide to developing school policies' to every local authority school in Scotland. In addition, CARE UK provides a network of pregnancy crisis support services including a confidential telephone advice line.
Children in Scotland
The national agency for voluntary, statutory and professional organisations and individuals working with children and their families in Scotland.
CoSLA
The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities is the representative voice of Scottish local government and also acts as the employers' association on behalf of all Scottish councils.
Family Planning Association
Provides information on types of and services on contraception, publications and campaigns. Fpa Scotland also provides training courses for individuals and organisations.
Faculty of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care
Guidelines and standards in promoting effective practice in family planning and reproductive health care. Also links to Aberdeen- based Clinical Effectiveness Unit.
Equality Network
Campaigns for equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender in Scotland. It creates ways for people to contribute to making Scotland a place in which everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can live free from hatred, prejudice and discrimination.
Healthy Gay Scotland
A national HIV organisation that promotes the sexual health and well being of gay and bisexual men living in Scotland. Working collaboratively with other agencies to produce new programmes and resources to promote HIV and health.
Healthy Respect
Domain of the Scottish national health demonstration project. Includes information for young people, parents and carers as well as professionals
Health Protection Scotland
Established to strengthen and co-ordinate health protection in Scotland. It takes over the functions of the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health (SCIEH).
HM Inspectorate of Education
Became an Executive Agency in April 2001. This was in response to it's changing role and function brought about by devolution and by an increasing emphasis placed on an independent, rigorous evaluation of the Scottish education system.
HIV Scotland
HIV Scotland is an HIV voluntary sector policy and support organisation, providing HIV information and advice. It gives the views and expertise of voluntary organisations the authority of an independent and collective voice, in particular representing the needs of those living with or vulnerable to the virus.
LGBT Youth Scotland
LGBT Youth Scotland provides services and information for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people under age 26, families and professionals which aim to increase awareness and confidence; as well as reducing isolation and intolerance. They also support Scotland's LGBT Youth Council - a network of young people - and the network of LGBT youth group leaders.
Learning & Teaching Scotland
LT Scotland is a national public body which provides guidance, publications and support for teachers, school managers, local authorities, parents and others involved in education in Scotland.
Medical Research CouncilSocial and Public Health Sciences Unit
Based in Glasgow, the MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit has a specific sexual and reproductive health programme which aims to undertake fundamental research to determine the social causes and consequences of unwanted sexual outcomes; investigate reproductive careers and choices in UK and other populations; continue to develop interventions to reduce unwanted sexual outcomes in populations at greatest need; and rigorously evaluate these interventions. Included in this is the evaluations of the SHARE programme (secondary school based sex and relationships programme), Gay Mens Taskforce and uptake of HIV testing in antenatal clinics.
NHS 24
Designed to help get the right care from the right people at the right time - 0845 4 24 24 24.
NHS UK NATIONAL SEXUAL HEALTH HELPLINE (24 HR) for all ages - 0800 567 123
NHS Health Scotland
Brings together the Public Health Institute of Scotland (PHIS), and the Health Education Board for Scotland (HEBS). It provides a national focus for improving health and works with the Scottish Executive and other key partners to take action to improve health and reduce inequalities in Scotland.
Phace Scotland
Promotes health and challenges exclusion, particularly for gay men and lesbian women. PHACE became the Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland on 1 November 2006.
Sexual Health & Wellbeing Learning Network
Based in NHS Health Scotland, the Sexual Health & Wellbeing Learning Network promotes the learning from Healthy Respect (insert link) and the wider evidence base around sexual health and wellbeing.
Scottish Catholic Education Service
Established by the Catholic Education Commission (CEC) on behalf of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland. Its aims are the promotion and support of Catholic education throughout Scotland through the provision of training and resources for education staff, parents and students.
Scottish Health Promoting Schools Unit
Works principally in a strategic way, influencing policy and guidance towards ensuring that health promoting school development is integral to local and national policy and plans. In order to do this, the Unit works closely with key partners including The Scottish Executive Health and Education Departments, Learning and Teaching Scotland, NHS Health Scotland, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) and HM Inspectorate of Education.
Stonewall Scotland
Aims to achieve legal equality and social justice for LGBT people in Scotland and across the UK.
Voluntary Health Scotland
Strategic partnerships with health services in Scotland so that community based organisations can maximise their contribution to health improvement and health care.
WaverleyCare
Provides information on HIV as well as supporting people living with HIV.
World Health Organisation
Established in 1948 by the United Nations. Its objective is the attainment of the highest possible level of health for all people.