SHAG Week 2025: A stigma-free opportunity for Bristol students to talk all things sex

Next week (31st March – 4th April 2025) is S.H.A.G (sexual health and guidance) week at Bristol University. This is an initiative run by Bristol Student Union, giving students the chance to learn more about sex education, aiming to empower safe sex.

Over the next few days, the SU will host events such as workshops, STI testing, and a coffee morning with the School of Sexuality Education.

The week will feature many exciting events, closing with drag bingo at the Balloon Bar, in the Richmond Building on Thursday (3rd April) evening. Tickets are available here.

The SU is also running a digital campaign on its social media to bring exposure to the specialist services available to students.

Equality, liberation and access officer, Linlu Ye, spoke on the importance of S.H.A.G week for students, saying: “S.H.A.G Week is about promoting open, inclusive, and stigma-free discussions about sexual health, relationships, and wellbeing. It’s about empowering safe sex, celebrating LGBTQ+ identities, and most importantly – having fun!”

Student Living Officer, Lucy Pears, commented: “No two students have had the same sex education (if any at all!), and S.H.A.G Week is a great way to get on the same page.”

Bristol SU has begun working alongside partners in the “We’re Here” sexual violence support campaign to raise awareness among students about free, professional support available for survivors of rape and sexual assault.

Within the “We’re Here” campaign Bristol SU are teaming up with SARSAS, SafeLink, The Bridge, the Police and Crime Commissioners, Bristol City Council, NHSE, UWE Bristol, University of Bristol, and UWE SU.

The SU’s main aims for the campaign are to:

• Help survivors of sexual assault find free, and professional support in the city.
• Make you feel supported, believed and given choices about what to do next.

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• Show you the available resources, so you feel empowered to make the right decision for yourself.
• Open conversations about sexual violence and relationship abuse to break down stigma and misconceptions.

Representatives from the campaign will be offering in person support on the Lower Ground Floor in Senate House to raise awareness about the free services available to rape and sexual assault survivors.

Today (Thursday 27th March), an NHS crisis worker will be available from 11am-2pm, and representatives from SafeLink will be available on Friday 28th of March.

The ‘We’re Here’ campaign highlights that every student will be given the right support for them, the chance to be listened to, and help through the next steps.

If you or someone you know has been affected by rape or sexual assault, visit the University of Bristol’s free sexual violence support service for one-on-one specialist care.

You can also visit The Bridge, which provides help after rape and sexual assault. The Bridge’s number is 0117 342 6999.

SARSAS also provides support for people affected by any kind of sexual assault of abuse at any time in their lives, and you can call their helpline on 0808 801 0456. The helpline opening times are: Monday 11am – 2pm, Tuesday 6pm – 8pm, Wednesday 6pm – 8pm, Thursday 6pm – 8pm, and Friday 11am – 2pm.