BURY Sexual Health Services has celebrated a year of success by holding a formal launch event.

The service opened in November 2012 and brought together community and hospital services into a “one stop shop” for sexual health advice, based in the community.

Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust and The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust run the service.

It has delivered many benefits, including provid-ing a wider range of services in one place, better “all round” care for people and improved facilities.

In addition, both staff and service users have benefited from improved partnership working.

The service is for people of all ages and offers a wide range of free and confidential services, delivered by staff, six days a week, including during the evening.

Caroline Robinson, senior nurse from The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Said: “We hope Bury Sexual Health Services will continue to tackle the stigma, discrimination and prejudice often associated with sexual health matters by providing a quality service.”

The service has been commissioned by Bury Council.

Lesley Jones, interim director of public health, said: “Bringing a range of sexual health services together under one roof makes services much more accessible, easier to use.“ Bury Sexual Health Services also incorporates the Young People’s Advisory Service (YPAS), for people aged up to 20 years.

YPAS also offers referral to the teenage pregnancy team, which supports young parents.

It also acts as a signpost to other accessible services for young people, including Early Break and Connexions.

The team can also offer access to a youth worker, who can provide decision-making support to young people.

People can contact the service via one central number: 0161 762 1588.

Clinics are also held across Bury, some which are drop-in and some requiring an appointment for those wishing to attend.

Wendy Thompson, senior manager from Pennine Care, said: “ We are keen to build on the success of this service and ensure it grows from strength to strength.

“I would like to thank staff for their continued hard work and dedication for the benefit of local people.”