Shaping the Future of Sexual Wellbeing: Our Devon and Torbay Connect Insights
What does it take to create the conditions for confident sexual wellbeing conversations?
That was the question at the heart of our recent Devon and Torbay Connect co-design events, which brought together professionals from across Devon and Torbay to help shape the future of sexual wellbeing outreach.
We're delighted to share our new Devon and Torbay Connect Insight Report, which captures the themes, challenges and opportunities identified through this collaborative work.
Listening to the people delivering support
Earlier on in the year, we held three co-design events in Barnstaple, Exeter and Torbay, bringing together 59 professionals from more than 30 organisations working across education, youth services, housing, public health, domestic abuse, drug and alcohol services, LGBTQ+ support, homelessness, community development and many other sectors.
Alongside the events, 42 participants completed a behaviour change survey, helping us better understand the confidence, knowledge and support professionals need to have effective sexual wellbeing conversations.
Rather than presenting a finished solution, the events were designed to listen, learn and co-design the next phase of Devon and Torbay Connect together.
What did we learn?
The report explores five interconnected themes that will shape the programme moving forward:
- Self-management – how people can be supported to take greater control of their sexual wellbeing through accessible resources, clear information and supportive conversations.
- Behaviour change – understanding how professionals can feel more confident having prevention-focused conversations in everyday practice.
- Resource Hub – co-designing a central place for trusted information, practical resources and referral pathways.
- Professional Network – exploring how stronger collaboration can improve connectivity and support across Devon and Torbay.
- Training – identifying the skills, knowledge and delivery methods needed to support a confident and capable workforce.
One of the strongest messages from the engagement was that knowledge alone is not enough. Professionals consistently recognised the importance of sexual wellbeing but identified the need for greater confidence, practical resources, clearer pathways and ongoing support to make these conversations a routine part of their work.
The findings also highlighted the importance of shifting towards a more prevention-focused model, where earlier conversations, stronger partnerships and improved community access to resources help people manage their sexual wellbeing before problems escalate.
Turning insight into action
The report is more than a summary of what we heard. It sets out how these insights will inform the next phase of Devon and Torbay Connect, including:
- Developing a regional sexual wellbeing resource hub.
- Designing a practical training offer focused on confident conversations and behaviour change.
- Strengthening the Devon and Torbay Connect professional network.
- Embedding self-management within a connected, community-based model of sexual wellbeing support.
This is just the beginning. The next round of Devon and Torbay Connect events is already being planned, with a focus on engagement, behaviour change and practical workshops that support professionals to build confidence in sexual wellbeing conversations.
Read the report
We're incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed their time, expertise and experience to this work. Your insights are helping shape a more connected, confident and prevention-focused approach to sexual wellbeing across Devon and Torbay.
Download the Devon and Torbay Connect Insight Report here:
Download the report by clicking here
We'd love to hear your thoughts and continue the conversation as we work together to build the next phase of Devon and Torbay Connect.