Officer Lead:
Sharanya Sivarajah (President) & Poppy Coates (Women Students Community Officer)
21-25 october 2024
Hello all! SHAG (Sexual Health Awareness and Guidance) week is back!
Join us for SHAG Week—a vibrant and empowering week dedicated to sexual health awareness and guidance! Whether you’re here for insightful workshops, fun events, or helpful resources, we’ve got everything you need to stay informed, safe, and confident.
From interactive activities and giveaways to pub quizzes with discounted mocktails and cocktails, SHAG Week is packed with exciting opportunities to learn about safe sex, relationships, consent, STI prevention, contraception, and so much more. Our mission is to break down taboos, spread awareness, and provide you with the tools you need to make informed choices about your sexual well-being.
Your Students’ Union is working proactively to tackle harassment and sexual misconduct at Royal Holloway. For more information on what we’re doing to commit to student safety at Royal Holloway, check out the NeverOk Campaign Page. Led by President, Sharanya Sivarajah and Vice President Wellbeing and Diversity, Olivia Davies, the #NeverOK campaign aims to take a stand against violence and discriminatory behaviour. Because it's #NeverOK.
shag week podcasts:
This year, Poppy (Women Students' Community Officer) will be hosting a series of podcasts, check back during SHAG Week for the links:
Between the sheets...of knowledge: Join Poppy and Maddy (VP Education) for a discussion about sexual education, its importance and what resources there are at Royal Holloway.
Contracep-tional Wisdom: Hear Poppy, Fran (Community Engagement Coordinator) and Tina (Advisor) talk about what is sexual contraception, how many different types are there and why is it vital to find one that suits you?
Freshers Unzipped: Poppy, Bana (VP Societies & Sport) and Hanani (Advisor) will be attempting to address some of the common themes and misconceptions of moving to university and being a 'Fresher'.
From Stress to Caress: Listen to Poppy, Olivia and Hanani talk about how navigating sexual relationships can be challenging, but can also carry mental health benefits.
Myth-Conception: Join the Sabbatical Officers and Poppy sort out the fact and fiction of all things sex.
support resources at the university
Looking after your sexual and relationship health is a key part of your overall wellbeing, and both the University and the Student’s Union are here to make sure you get the support you need. If you have any concerns or questions about relationships, sex, or sexual health, don’t feel embarrassed—seriously, we won’t be! We’re here to listen and can point you in the right direction for support, both on and off campus.
Located on the first floor of our union, our advice centre provides free STI testing kits, condoms and pregnancy tests which can be picked up from the waiting room. You can also collect free STI testing kits from behind the Union Shop sales desk- please pop in to get one if you need it.
To be eligible to register with Clarence Medical Centre (GP Surgery) you must be living in our halls of residence or living in Englefield Green or Egham. Old Windsor and parts of Virginia Water are also eligible addresses. If you don't meet the location criteria you should instead register with your local GP practice. The NHS website will be able to identify your local practice.
The surgery offers triage appointments with Dr Laura Dickinson who can provide contraceptive advice (including the fitting of contraceptive implants and intrauterine devices), guidance, full sexual health history and screening (including HIV testing and counselling, chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing).
You can pick up a testing kits from Jay's Pharmacy, the SU Advice Centre or the Union Shop.
Wellbeing: Support & Guidance: Need advice? The Support & Guidance team is super friendly and always here to help. They can give non-clinical advice, answer your questions, and connect you to the best services for whatever you’re going through. Whether you’re feeling confused or just need a bit of guidance, they’ll make sure you’re supported in the right way.>
Wellbeing: Counselling: If things are feeling a bit too much, you can chat with one of the wellbeing departments’ trained counsellors. To book a session, just register with the service and schedule an appointment—it’s as easy as that!
external guidance and support
There are plenty of resources available outside of the university to help you take control of your sexual health and wellbeing. If you ever need support for sexual harm or have concerns about your sexual health or consent, there are confidential services ready to assist you every step of the way.
For information about the sexual health and contraception services available in Surrey and managed by Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust view their webpages here.
The clinics below offer sexual health care including for sexually transmitted infections, HIV testing and contraception.
Garden Sexual health Clinic at Upton Hospital, Slough: Location: 6.5 miles from Royal Holloway campus via the number 8 bus.
Woking clinic: Location: 11.6 miles from Royal Holloway campus
London Sexual health clinics: There are several sexual health clinics in London. This directory will locate which is most local for you.
Jays Pharmacy:
Jays Pharmacy, High Street, Egham, TW20 9HN: located 0.9 miles away from campus
Jays Pharmacy, Pooley Green, Egham, TW20 8SA: 1.5 miles from campus.
- Provides Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea test kits free of charge by the NHS for 13-25 year olds - there is no need to arrange an appointment or call head to collect these. If this test is positive they also provide antibiotic treatment free of change.
- Morning After Pill - If you need emergency contraception it is available quickly and discretely following consultation and is free of charge for up to 25 year olds.
- Drop in confidential sexual health advice.
Additionally you can explore alternative local pharmacies near you via Safe Sex Berkshire: please enter your postcode to personalise results.
Freedoms Shop: Freedoms shop: Provides sexual health products, STI tests and advice at a very low price as part of the NHS. These products are ordered online and arrive to your door in discreet packaging.
Condom Distribution Scheme: Free and confidential condom and contraceptive service distribution network for young people aged 13-24 years old in Surrey via a V-Card. Runnymede is most local to our campus.
Emergency Contraception: This is available in most pharamcies. Jays Pharmacy, located in Egham, can provide this free of charge to you following a discreet consultation.
PrEP also known as Pre-exposure Prophylaxis is available for some people who are at high risk of HIV infection and is available as a tablet to be taken before you have sex and are exposed to HIV- this is available via sexual health clinics in your area. To find out further information on what this is, please see the Terrence Higgings Trust.
PEP also known as Post-exposure prophylaxis may stop you developing an HIV infection if you have been exposed to the virus, this is available via sexual health clinics in your area and additionally though a HIV clinic or A&E.
SARC Solace Centre:Offers free support and practical help to anyone in Surrey who has experienced sexual harm, sexual violence or sexual abuse. This service is entirely confidential and you do not have to give any personal information to get help. If you would like to speak to someone they are available 24/7 and are contactable via: 0300 180 3038. Via the website you can also send a message. Support is confidential and they may also refer or offer links to other support services that may be appropriate.
RASASC (Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre): This organisation has Independent Sexual Violence Advisors who can offer further support and advice around accessing healthcare, explaining your options, providing information on the legal process to allow you to make an informed decision about reporting and more. You can request support.
RH BeHeard:This is currently an internal, anonymous or named reporting system if you have experienced an incident of sexual harassment or assault (amongst other forms of harassment, assault or discrimination).
This academic year, students are asked to complete the mandatory consent module. Please ensure you have completed the consent matters module, whether you are an incoming or returning student. Consent Matters - Royal Holloway Student Intranet
Consent is all about mutual agreement—both people must be fully on board with any sexual activity. It’s required every time, whether you're in a relationship or not. Non-consensual sex is illegal, so it’s important to make sure all sexual interactions are 100% consensual.
If you're sexually active, always ensure that both you and your partner are fully comfortable, and that consent is clear. Remember, everyone has the right to say no at any time, and it’s essential to respect that. Also, plenty of people choose not to engage in sexual activity at all, and that choice should always be respected.
It’s crucial to ask for consent every single time. Just because someone said yes before doesn’t mean they’re automatically agreeing again, even if you’re in a relationship.
Consent can't be given if someone is unable to make a clear decision, like if they’re sleeping, unconscious, or intoxicated. In these cases, any sexual activity can be considered sexual assault, as the person isn’t able to give their consent. Always make sure your partner is fully able to consent and never assume!
News
Thu 24 Oct 2024
Contraception is one of the most important choices when it comes to sexual health. With so many options out there—pills, patches, injections, implants, and more—it’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed by what might be the best fit for you.
Tue 22 Oct 2024
When we talk about healthy relationships and sexual activity, one word stands above all: consent. Whether you’re in a long-term relationship or just starting to get to know someone, consent is the foundation of mutual respect, trust, and communication.
Wed 23 Oct 2024
Whether you're casually dating or in a long-term relationship, making STI testing part of your routine is a simple way to protect yourself and your partners.
Events
