iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Kat Smithson @kat-smithson.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

One lenacapavir injection would protect someone from acquiring HIV for 6 whole months Just imagine… that could help so many people who simply cannot take, carry, store PrEP pills, or access services regularly and safely. This will change lives. We need a solution @bashhuk.bsky.social

000

Kat Smithson @kat-smithson.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

New STI data! Encouraging reductions in gonorrhea, chlamydia & syphilis. But, huge disparities in outcomes between different groups & increased syphilis among women. Increases in infectious syphilis & antibiotic resistant STIs also recorded. Greater complexity needs its own response. #STIs

011

Reposted by Kat Smithson

British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) @bashhuk.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

It’s #VolunteersWeek Our 1800+ members are our life force who work to support excellence in sexual health and HIV care. They develop and deliver: Guidelines and standards for care Education and training Insights, updates and practical peer-to-peer learning. THANK YOU!

001

Kat Smithson @kat-smithson.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

We’re on our way to Blackpool! #BASHH2027 💃🏻

020

Reposted by Kat Smithson

British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) @bashhuk.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

Thank you to everyone who took part in the Joint BASHH x BHIVA Conference 2026 It was a privilege to bring together such a committed community working across HIV and sexual health. We’re grateful to all who contributed and helped make the conference such a success. #BHIVABASHH26

022

Reposted by Kat Smithson

Chiva @chivaprojects.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

What a fantastic joint conference from BHIVA and BASHH with the very latest research and information about HIV and sexual health care. #bhivabassh26 @bhiva.bsky.social @bashhuk.bsky.social

074

Reposted by Kat Smithson

British HIV Association @bhiva.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Victoria Pilkington estimates the potential impact of opt-out #HIV testing in Primary Care if this were integrated into the NHS Health Checks programme. This has the potential to identify more people outside of ED opt-out testing, and may be more cost effective! #BHIVABASHH26

094

Kat Smithson @kat-smithson.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

More than half of 16-17 year olds don’t know how to access their local sexual health service. -flexible access -confidentiality -trust & autonomy All critical to meeting young people’s needs #BHIVABASHH26

052

Reposted by Kat Smithson

British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) @bashhuk.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Hear from Dr Tristan Barber, Chair of BHIVA, talking on the importance of this years #BHIVABASHH26 Conference in bringing together the sexual health and HIV community to share data, insights, and collaborate on the UK's goal to end new HIV transmissions by 2030.

022

Kat Smithson @kat-smithson.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Negotiating safer sex session: slides that focus on people centred language and approaches. Not everyone has to be a trauma expert but we can all take responsibility for delivering trauma informed care. Great alternative phrasing suggestions here from @profygilleece.bsky.social #BHIVABASHH26

021

Kat Smithson @kat-smithson.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Unbelievable kick-off to #bhivabashh26 from Maleka Egeonu-Roby. Deeply passionate and hopeful on her home city of Liverpool and a brilliant advocate for the work of their Race Equality Hub.

041

Kat Smithson @kat-smithson.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

I’m officially on my way to #BHIVABASHH2026 💃🏻🪩 …all packed up like a walking exhibition stand 💪🏻 See you there! @bashhuk.bsky.social @bhiva.bsky.social

020

Kat Smithson @kat-smithson.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

A not to be missed session on a global hot topic!

010

Kat Smithson @kat-smithson.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

On 6th November we're holding our first ever tailored Nursing and Sexual Health Advisers Conference, joint with SSHA. This is a key event this year - led by BASHH members representing nurses and sexual health advisers working in sexual health services across the UK.

000

Reposted by Kat Smithson

British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) @bashhuk.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

BASHH welcomes the @ukhsa.bsky.social Syphilis Response Plan’s clear focus on reversing the rise in syphilis diagnoses and eliminating congenital syphilis, alongside its strong emphasis on promoting key BASHH clinical guidelines. Read our full statement: bit.ly/41pJXk8

001

Reposted by Kat Smithson

British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) @bashhuk.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

Today, the House of Lords is due to consider Clause 208 of the Crime and Policing Bill. The amendment would end the criminal investigation and prosecution of women for ending their pregnancies. BASHH supports this vital amendment to protect abortion rights for vulnerable women.

012

Reposted by Kat Smithson

British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) @bashhuk.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

BASHH welcomes the new report from @sophiaforum.bsky.social, @nat.org.uk, @tht.org.uk and The Ci2 Bureau, setting out important steps to ensure that people living with HIV in prisons are not left behind. Access the full report ⬇️

073

Kat Smithson @kat-smithson.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

It’s our first ever @bashhuk.bsky.social staff Christmas 🥳 …and here we are magically in gingerbread form courtesy of the Gingerbread City exhibit 🥰 Been a big year and feeling so thankful for and proud of this team. Onwards and upwards team BASHH 🎉🎉🎈

031

Kat Smithson @kat-smithson.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

Brilliant to see recognition here on developing people Support for recruitment into our incredible specialty of GUM & reference to STI Foundation 🙌🏻 STI Foundation is developed and run by BASHH members. It’s constantly evolving, always excellent and I’m proud to be helping take it even further

030

Reposted by Kat Smithson

British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) @bashhuk.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

Today, the Government unveiled the new HIV Action Plan for England, backed by £170 million. This marks a pivotal moment in shifting the dial in the HIV response. Please read BASHH's response below ⬇️

02211

Kat Smithson @kat-smithson.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

I'm really proud of this piece of work and the dedication of those BASHH members who have worked with the team at Purple Pen to drive it. Thank you to everyone involved. Now the hard work starts...this is already shaping BASHH strategy and plans for the future but there's always more to do

050

Reposted by Kat Smithson

British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) @bashhuk.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

BASHH responded to the Women and Equalities Committee’s new report, which highlights alarming rises in HIV diagnoses among women and minority ethnic communities, and warns that sexual health services are “extremely stretched”. Read our full statement on the publication ➡️ bit.ly/4iajaQn

001

Reposted by Kat Smithson

British HIV Association @bhiva.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

Congratulations to Dr Cara Saxon on her appointment to President-elect of @bashhuk.bsky.social Many thanks to Professor Matt Phillips on his leadership and vision over these past years. We look forward to continuing to work closely with our BASHH colleagues.

042

Kat Smithson @kat-smithson.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

Congrats to the brilliant @carasaxon.bsky.social who is set to take up the role of @BASHH_UK President in 2026! Cara is such a committed Gen Sec and she’ll take this passion with her into the President role. Well done and thank you to all new board and committee members 🥰 #LoveGum

050

Kat Smithson @kat-smithson.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

Staff @bashhuk.bsky.social are still experiencing email issues and are not receiving emails to any .net email addresses. We're working on it and can continue to pick things up on our website contact form www.bashh.org/about/contac...

bashh.org

000

Reposted by Kat Smithson

British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) @bashhuk.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

We’re sorry if you’ve not been able to get in touch with the team by email today and have had a bounce back. We’re working on it, but you can still reach us through our admin inbox and via socials.

001

Reposted by Kat Smithson

British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) @bashhuk.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

BASHH warmly welcomes NICE’s approval of long-acting Cabotegravir (CAB-LA) as an HIV prevention option for people who cannot have oral PrEP tablets. Please read our full statement ➡️ bit.ly/3JbDBiL

012

Reposted by Kat Smithson

British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) @bashhuk.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

BASHH recently supported the launch of short films to enhance partner notification. 🎥 Last night, STV News covered the importance of young people getting tested, promoting the value of the short films and interviewing the project leads @glasgowcaledonian.bsky.social bit.ly/48HErOG

bit.ly

Call for young people to get tested as gonorrhoea rates rise

A report by Public Health Scotland states there has been a 59% increase.

121

Reposted by Kat Smithson

British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) @bashhuk.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

During @kat-smithson.bsky.social attendance at the @commonswec.parliament.uk, she discussed the need to consider sexual health within the 10YHP, urging government to act swiftly to reverse current trends. BASHH welcomes continued collaboration with the government to improve sexual health care.

151

Kat Smithson @kat-smithson.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

Privileged to represent @bashhuk.bsky.social today for @commonswec.parliament.uk session on sexual health. With rising inequalities and historic STI rates and demand, the pressure on our services is not sustainable. We need to enable our fantastic workforce to reach all where and when needed

030

Kat Smithson @kat-smithson.bsky.social · 04/08/2025

Today is the day! The 4CMenB vaccine is now being rolled out across England. This is such a vital tool as we face record levels of gonorrhoea with significant inequalities.

010

Reposted by Kat Smithson

Sarah Alexander @sarah1alexander.bsky.social · 30/07/2025

Always an inspiration Dr. Marrazzo - provides loads of hope, keep passionately advocating! We need honest conversations, work with our community partners and don’t lose ground - fantastic #STIHIV2025

012

Reposted by Kat Smithson

Andy Winter @andrewjwinter.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

So the inspirational #stihiv2025 is over in Montreal: 1400 people from 70+ countries sharing science. And now @iusti-europe.bsky.social invites you to Prague for the next IUSTI World meeting next October, with me and Janneke Heijne leading the Scientific Committee. www.iustiprague2026.com

081

Kat Smithson @kat-smithson.bsky.social · 29/07/2025

My highlights of #STIHIV2025 have been reflections on the past. @bashhuk.bsky.social is part of a social as well as medical history. @henrydevries.bsky.social artfully used a queer theory lens to describe evolving approach sexual health and what he described as the current anti-liberal backlash 🧵

231

Kat Smithson @kat-smithson.bsky.social · 28/07/2025

I’m all set at #STIHIV2025 @stihiv2025.org Montreal Met incredible people in last 24 hours - lots being shared and learned. But many are not able to attend and we need to bring convos online and continue them after 🗣️🔊 If you are here, find me at the @bashhuk.bsky.social stand

052

Kat Smithson @kat-smithson.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

BASHH has not one, but two fantastic (even if I do say so myself) job opportunities! The new BASHH Executive Assistant and Training and Membership Officer will be joining a small and supportive team, but will get to be part of a much bigger network and movement #LoveGUM Check out the details 👇🏻

010

Reposted by Kat Smithson

British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) @bashhuk.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

📢 The BASHH/BHIVA Guidelines on the Use of HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) 2025 have been published Thank you to @bhiva.bsky.social, the writing group, and all contributors for your expertise and dedication. Access the guidelines here ➡️ bit.ly/4lMe9Ou

197

Kat Smithson @kat-smithson.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

Very excited to be able to share that we are expanding our in-house team! We're now hiring for a new Training and Membership Officer @bashhuk.bsky.social The post holder will be part of a small but mighty team supporting BASHH members to deliver our education programme. See links below⬇️

020

Reposted by Kat Smithson

British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) @bashhuk.bsky.social · 04/07/2025

Our website is currently down - but don't worry, we're on it! We're working behind the scenes to get things back up and running as soon as possible. Thank you for bearing with us.

001

Reposted by Kat Smithson

British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) @bashhuk.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

As an organisation committed to inclusive sexual health and HIV care, we are deeply concerned about the EHRC draft guidelines and the implications it could have for trans people accessing services. Read the joint-sector statement here:https://bit.ly/3GpDEX1

12712

Reposted by Kat Smithson

The Love Tank CIC @thelovetankcic.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

The Love Tank's groundbreaking HIV PrEP programme - PrEPster - relaunches for our 10 year anniversary. A totally new website brings PrEP info to a whole new generation of PrEP users and those who could use PrEP. www.thelovetank.info/news/prepster

thelovetank.info

Groundbreaking HIV PrEP programme relaunches for 10 year anniversary — The Love Tank CIC

HIV prevention programme  PrEPster  - formed by activists in 2015 in response to inaction on education and implementation on HIV PrEP - relaunches today to mark its 10th year since being fou...

0179

Reposted by Kat Smithson

bhaforequality.bsky.social @bhaforequality.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

Amazing opportunity to attend the BASHH conference. It has been an inspiring space to learn from so many impactful practices within sexual Health across the UK.

121

Kat Smithson @kat-smithson.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

Shout out to @thelovetankcic.bsky.social for driving community engagement with this guideline and for amazing contributions to the writing group 🥰 Please check out the little black pocket guide to doxyPEP as well 🙌🏻 www.queerhealth.info/projects/dox...

queerhealth.info

DoxyPEP — QueerHealth

010

Reposted by Kat Smithson

British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) @bashhuk.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

Honoured to be joined by the Women's Health Ambassador, Dame Lesley Regan, for a chat with BASHH President, Professor Matt Phillips and @libokecha.bsky.social #BASHH2025 A real rallying cry for not only listening to a woman better but making sure we are ready to receive her and meet her needs

133

Reposted by Kat Smithson

Dr Laura Waters @drlaurajwaters.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

Outstanding presentation on gender affirming care for adults in the UK from Alison Berner #bashh2025 The 2 screenshots provide invaluable advice, & until new NHSE guidance is produced, the 2019 advice applies @bashhuk.bsky.social

051