An information bank on all things sex, sexuality, consent and relationships.
SHAG month is our yearly campaign looking at sexual health, body positivity, celebrating healthy relationships and raising awareness of risks.
In addition to the events we are running, we’ve created an information bank of helpful resources, interesting articles, podcasts and videos on all things sex, sexuality, consent and relationships.
Podcasts
- The Sexual Wellness Sessions:
- Hosted by Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist Kate Moyle, “this podcast is a series of interviews about changing narratives, challenging beliefs, breaking away from feelings of shame and helping people to normalize talking about sex and relationships” – Apple Podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/show/4bZkWVgYwCIXpJ4TkMjxRv
- The Sex and Relationship Podcast
- A series tackling real questions about intimacy, confidence and connection. Hosted by experienced sex and relationship therapist Clare Prendergast, the podcast explores everyday sexual conundrums, common relationship challenges and the realities of modern love. With expert guidance and open, honest conversation, each episode offers practical advice to help you strengthen your relationships, improve communication and build sexual confidence. https://patient.info/features/podcast?sort=recent
- The Undressing Disability Podcast
- The Undressing Disability podcast series strips back the taboo on all things sex and disability. The series is hosted by Jennie Williams and Zoe Lloyd from Enhance the UK, a charity run by disabled people, which aims to change society's views on disability. The hosts and guests have honest discussions about sex, sexuality, relationships, dating and more. https://open.spotify.com/show/39jhHzTvZ2IOwhRp6Ah43W
- Sex with Emily
- On attachment
- Join relationship coach Stephanie Rigg, where she delves deep into all things attachment theory, love, relationships & intimacy - sharing her wisdom and experience to help you start making real changes in your life & relationships. https://open.spotify.com/show/46MQbkuTSRMo4hzQWJzbmD
- In bed with Alexa
- Brown girls do it too
- From Dirty Talk to the A to Z of Sex Toys, Poppy and Rubina confess all the funny and intimate details of their sex lives. A South Asian woman still can’t talk openly about her sex life, but Poppy and Rubina are determined to change that, beginning with their own experiences. https://open.spotify.com/show/6JNdR75aLOeEK4Y4wnyGUa
- Gay Men Going Deeper
- Gay Men Going Deeper is a weekly podcast that showcases raw and real conversations about personal development, mental health, and sexuality – from an unapologetically gay perspective. Hosted by Matt Landsiedel and Michael DiIorio, and featuring a wide range of special guests, you can expect to be inspired, entertained, and even a little triggered from time to time. https://open.spotify.com/show/6pyR4OXKGy88WnWBESruvt
- Closet talk
- Join Mattie Westbrouck as they dive into Closet Talk, where each week, they’ll share their intimate personal experiences with growing up, coming out, and embracing their identity. From sharing stories about being closeted in middle school, to mental health struggles in high school, to unpacking the queer experience with guest co-hosts, Mattie creates a space for the community to feel seen. https://open.spotify.com/show/2k4AvImU2paVOdwBVGEXh0
- Lez hangout
- The award-nominated queer podcast where lesbian pop culture, unhinged gay theories, and puns so dramatic they need a fainting couch all come together weekly. ️Hosted by the lesbians you want at your pot-luck, bi-coastal duo Leigh Holmes Foster (West Coast) and Ellie Brigida (East Coast), the show dives into LGBTQ+ media, life, and representation with iconic guests and sapphic hilarity. https://open.spotify.com/show/6UVBfuAu8lOTWf7lYIuyMg
- The Queer Collective Podcast
- A bi-weekly queer podcast that takes a deep-dive into every subgroup of the LGBTQ2S+ community. https://open.spotify.com/show/3yAjxw2UfT48y1g26t8Wlq
- The Sex Ed Diaries
- Brook’s Sex Ed Diaries is a podcast series about relationships and sex education in schools. The series aims to encourage critical thinking and stimulate debate about what good RSE looks like, as well as helping teachers and schools to prepare for mandatory status from September.
- Curated by Dr Polly Haste and featuring Brook experts as well as teachers, practitioners, researchers and young people, we unpick the challenges faced by teachers and offer practical solutions. https://open.spotify.com/show/2DhOMxu3kxucLeboOVWmdz
- RSE for Grown-Ups
- A podcast produced by Luton Sexual Health designed to help parents, caregivers, and educators navigate the Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) curriculum. Hosted by experts, it provides actionable advice, breaks down school curriculum content, and aims to foster open, confident conversations with young people without the awkwardness.
Books
- Come as You Are and Come Together by Emily Nagoski
- Emily Nagoski is a significant figure in sex research, renowned for her insightful writing. "Come as You Are" helps readers relearn and unlearn vital concepts about anatomy, environmental influences, stress, trauma, and emotional attachment. It dives deep into the workings of arousal and orgasm, backed by a complementary workbook. universally beneficial.
- SexSmart: How you Childhood Shaped Your Sex Life and What with It by Aline P. Zoldbrod
- "Sex Smart" by Aline P. Zoldbrod. It delves into how childhood shapes sexual lives, offering reflective questions that provoke thought around trust, power, self-esteem, and social connectivity. Its insights are invaluable, especially for those exploring polyamory or consensual non-monogamy.
- The Penis Book by Aaron Spitz
- Aimed at males, "The Penis Book" by Aaron Spitz offers everything you need to know about penis health, anatomy, function, and dysfunction. Unlike most books of its kind, which focus solely on erectile dysfunction, this one provides an all-encompassing view, including practical advice for when things go awry.
- Healing Sexual Trauma Workbook by Erika Shershun
- For individuals healing from sexual trauma. This offers somatic skill-building exercises, inviting you to engage in reflective practice focused on breathing and bodily awareness. Its illustrations and helpful prompts facilitate a healing journey back to satisfying intimate experiences.
Videos
- Lets Talk About
- Brook and Enhance the UK, partnered with IPPF have created a series of videos to give young sexual health advocates a platform to discuss their thoughts, experiences and recommendations on 5 key topics, Sex and Disability; Sex and Pleasure; Sex and Consent; Sex and Social Media and Sex Education . For more information visit: www.ippf.org/letstalkabout
- Asexuality
- How to use a Dental Dam
Information and Guidance
- Emergency Contraception Options
- The Essex Sexual Health Service provides guidance on understanding your options when it comes to contraception - Essex Sexual Health Service
- Trans Safe Sex Guide
- Lovehoney Uni Sex
Sexual Health Services
- Brook
- Brook is a free, confidential sexual health and wellbeing charity. They provide support, guidance and load of information on all things Sex, Relationships and more. https://www.brook.org.uk/
- NHS Sexual Health Services
- Essex Sexual Health Service
Support Services
- Report & Support
- The University of Essex has a zero tolerance approach to sexual violence, harassment and hate crime. All staff, students, and visitors to the campus can report something anonymously or get support from an adviser. https://reportandsupport.essex.ac.uk/
- 24 Hour Student Wellbeing Support Line
- Open 24 hours a day, including over weekends and bank holidays. 0800 028 3766
- University of Essex Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service (SWIS)
- SU Advice
- Free, confidential and impartial advice on many issues that students may face with their studies or life at University
- Book an appointment via the website: www.essexstudent.com/advice
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline
- Freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247
- CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse)
- CARA works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs. https://caraessex.org.uk/
- Next Chapter
- Next Chapter provide free and confidential services to support people who are currently experiencing or have previously experienced domestic abuse. https://www.thenextchapter.org.uk/