Relationships, sexuality and sexual health: preparing future learning disability nurses to promote personal autonomy

People with learning disabilities experience challenges in relation to relationships, sexuality and sexual health, including limited access to accessible and relevant relationships and sex education (RSE), which can contribute to health inequalities and restrict their personal autonomy. Learning disability nurses are well placed to support people in this area of their lives through education, advocacy and person-centred practice, but require the relevant knowledge and skills to do so effectively. This article discusses the challenges experienced by people with learning disabilities in relation to relationships, sexuality and sexual health and access to RSE. The article also describes a teaching session developed by the authors for learning disability nursing students and apprentices at Birmingham City University, which aims to develop learners’ knowledge, skills and understanding of relationships, sexuality, sexual health and the delivery of RSE. The teaching session, which is part of a module on meeting people’s holistic needs, uses interactive learning activities, case scenarios and reflection. Through this learning, future learning disability nurses can contribute to reducing health inequalities by empowering individuals’ personal autonomy in relationships, sexuality and sexual health.