Sex Matters

The emotional impact of having an impairment is sometimes overlooked, and for many people this can have a devastating effect on their relationships. Understanding your impairment is a good place to start. There are many local and national support groups and services that could help. WDP has a database of thousands of records we can search on your behalf.

Our service at WDP includes a display of sex aids at the Centre for Independant living in Beaufort Street, and an Information File which is available to anyone who needs it which includes leaflets and books about sex education, contraception, sexually transmitted diseases and sexual health. We have collated a variety of leaflets, books, videos and facts sheets specific to sexuality and many diseases including from Alzheimers and Ataxia to Spinal Injuries and Stroke.

Although our staff are not professionally qualified in the field of sexual health issues, if you want to talk please call our Disability Helpline on 01925 240064 and one of our more experienced staff will call you back. Outside office hours please use the enquiry form, anything you ask will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Sex and disability are rarely discussed in the same sentence. Most disabled people and carers have more pressing issues to discuss with their GP, Medical Practitioner or Social Care Worker and don't know who to turn to with their questions.

There are few disabled people whose impairment prevents them from enjoying their sexuality. Having an impairment may mean rethinking ones approach to sex but it is important to realise that the way we think can create invisible barriers as much as any physical impairment. The information contained in the various resources provided in our Relationship and Sex Matters Disability Information File can help to improve confidence, challenge myths and misconceptions.