The work of FPA in Northern Ireland

FPA works in partnership with statutory, voluntary and community organisations throughout Northern Ireland. We provide:

• a confidential telephone, postal and drop-in helpline responding to enquiries on reproductive and sexual health
• training and consultancy, with unique expertise in sexuality and learning disability, for health, education and social services professionals and community workers
• an award winning programme of accredited community-based personal development sexual health projects for young people
• a non-directive, non-judgemental counselling, information and support service for women (and their partners and/or families) who are faced with a crisis pregnancy
• training resources and Northern Ireland-specific factsheets for professionals and community workers; sex education leaflets and books for parents; and a range of free leaflets on contraception.

Advocacy

Advocacy is a key area of work for FPA in Northern Ireland particularly given the very restricted provision of abortion. A major policy objective for the organisation is to ensure that women in Northern Ireland have equal access to reproductive healthcare services.

• Using parliamentary processes to campaign for women's rights to abortion in Northern Ireland. Find out more about parliamentary activity.
• An appeal by FPA in Northern Ireland against the result of Northern Ireland's Judicial Review of abortion services was held in Belfast High Court from 24–26 May 2004. 
• The appeal was the next step in a process that began in May 2001, when FPA initiated proceedings against the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland.
• In January 2007, the DHSSPS issued draft guidelines on abortion to health professionals. Read FPA press release about the guidelines. 
• Read the DHSSPS draft guidelines.
• In April 2007, FPA wrote a response to the consultation on the draft guidelines which was submitted to the DHSSPS.
• In July 2008, FPA launched a campaign for women's rights to abortion in Northern Ireland.

Work with young people in Northern Ireland

Find out about our work with young people in Northern Ireland and other parts of the UK.

Read about new changes to the age of consent in Northern Ireland.

Training in Northern Ireland

FPA also runs an extensive training programme for professionals across all sectors about sexual health and sexual health issues.

DASH (Dialogue Around Sexual Health)

DASH  is a quarterly newsletter produced by FPA and funded by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust bringing news of sexual health activities in Northern Ireland. Have a look at current and past issues.

FPA resources

FPA produces a range of resources to support sex and relationships work. Find out more in our shop.

Contact us

Our Director in Northern Ireland is Dr Audrey Simpson.

How to contact FPA in Northern Ireland.