Sexual Health Quarters is a leading non-government provider of specialised sexual and reproductive health in Western Australia. We provide innovative clinical services, tailored counselling, and inspiring education that empowers people of all genders, ages, cultures and sexualities with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make informed choices about their sexual health and relationships.
SHQ endorses the World Health Organization’s working definition which defines sexual health as:
a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled.”
Extreme barriers to contraception and reproductive healthcare for women led our founders to create the Family Planning Association of Western Australia in 1972. Over 50 years later, Sexual Health Quarters is a radically modern organisation that has evolved and diversified in response to community need.
SHQ is an independent, non-profit organisation. We are a member of the Family Planning Alliance of Australia.
SHQ is fully accredited against the National Safety and Quality Health Services Standards and Rainbow Tick Standards.
You can read more about this on our accreditation page.
We are a Registered NDIS Provider and NDIS Verified.
Our vision
Freedom of choice and access to sexual health, respectful relationships, and rights for everyone.
Our Purpose
At SHQ, we believe that sexual health and respectful relationships are the cornerstone of overall wellbeing, impacting individuals, couples, families, and communities. We are driven by the belief that everyone has the right to access high-quality sexual health services, counselling, and education, free from judgment and discrimination.
We stand firm in our commitment to challenge the status quo, break down barriers, and foster inclusivity, striving each day to make a positive and enduring difference in the lives we touch, to challenge social injustice and passionately advocate for those who cannot speak freely.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide affordable and accessible sexual health and relationship clinical care and counselling, and through education, empower those we serve, regardless of age, culture, gender, sexuality, belief, or ability, with the understanding and confidence to make informed choices about their sexual health and relationships.
Our values
Respect for All
We are passionate about inclusiveness and rejoice in diversity. Working together to support human rights and call out social injustice, we work to provide a voice for those unable to speak freely.
Courageous and Genuine
We are inspired and motivated by each other and our communities to do better, and to continually push the frontiers on sexual health, respectful relationship, and rights for everyone.
Friendly and Compassionate
We continually strive to create a friendly, safe, and welcoming service, working hard every day to deliver the highest standard of care, education, and training to those we support.
Stronger Together
We openly share our knowledge, skills, and humour among ourselves and those we work with. Together, we can deliver meaningful, impactful change.
Our priority groups
- Young people
- Aboriginal people
- People living with intellectual disability
- Sex workers
- People from CaLD communities
- People from regional, rural and remote communities
- LGBTIQA+
Our projects
- Magenta – sex worker support project