People experiencing homelessness or housing instability face additional barriers to care and are at increased risk of delayed diagnosis and treatment for sexually transmissible infections (STIs). Syphilis rates have tripled in Australia over the past decade, highlighting the need for greater awareness, screening and early intervention across a range of health and community settings. Women are an important priority population in this setting, particularly as syphilis in pregnancy can result in miscarriage, and even infant death. Staff working in services that support women experiencing homelessness or housing instability are well placed to support timely access to STI testing, treatment and care.
With support from South Eastern Sydney LHD and Sydney LHD, this free one-hour webinar is designed for staff working in specialist homelessness services across NSW. Bringing together lived experience, sexual health expertise and practice-based perspectives from the homelessness sector, the session aims to strengthen awareness of STIs and build confidence in supporting vulnerable women’s access to sexual health care.
Date, Time, Platform:
- Date: Tuesday, 23 June 2026
- Time: 10:00am – 11:00am (AEST)
- Platform: Zoom
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this session, participants will be able to:
- Describe key STI trends and concerns in NSW, including the continuing rise of syphilis.
- Recall priority populations for common STIs and related considerations relevant to homelessness and housing settings.
- Discuss trauma-informed approaches to sexual health conversations in practice.
- Identify the role of homelessness and housing service staff in supporting sexual health awareness and timely access to STI testing, treatment and care.
Course Components:
- One 1-hour webinar
- Post course survey
Recommended Resources:
- Could It Be Syphilis? Clinical Indicator Tool
- Guide to Discussing Syphilis Testing
- Sexual History Taking Roleplay Videos
Funding:
This course received funding from the Australian Centre for Disease Control.
Endorsement & CPD:
ASHM is an RACGP-accredited CPD Provider under the RACGP CPD Program. This activity can be self-claimed for 1 EA hour.
A statement of attendance will be provided for full attendees.
Target Audience:
Staff working in specialist homelessness services that support women across NSW, including clinical and non-clinical workers who support women experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
