Sexual health teams attend Afro Hair and Beauty Show
27 May 2026
CNWL sexual health teams CLASH and CAMISH attended this year’s Afro Hair and Beauty Show 2026 Live, where they spent the day speaking to members of the public about sexual health, testing and accessing support services.
As Europe’s largest hair, beauty and lifestyle event for Black and mixed heritage women, the show provided a valuable opportunity to connect with a diverse audience and promote accessible, community-based healthcare.
Throughout the event, the teams engaged with more than 200 people, mainly from Black communities and other global majority backgrounds. Conversations covered a range of important topics including:
- STI testing
- HIV awareness
- PrEP
- Vaccinations
- Contraception options
- How often to get tested
- Accessing CNWL services
- Buying condoms
- Confidentiality and safeguarding for young people
The CAMISH team also offered screening and testing services for young people under the age of 25. As many attendees were accompanied by family members such as mothers, aunts and younger siblings, staff took time to explain what happens in a clinical setting and how young people are supported through testing, treatment and contraception services.
The event gave people the opportunity to ask questions and challenge common myths around sexual health, including beliefs such as “I’m married so I don’t need to test.” Staff encouraged attendees to continue open conversations within their families, friendship groups and wider communities.
To help start conversations, the teams used interactive activities including a “Spin the Wheel” game and a Black Activist and Healthcare board. Attendees could also win prizes including Black skin tone condoms, standard condoms and restaurant vouchers kindly donated by Pizza Express and Pho.
A key focus throughout the day was raising awareness of PrEP for women, helping attendees better understand what PrEP is, who it is for and how it can be accessed.
The teams also carried out CIAB screening during the event, with 22 people screened in total.
Feedback from attendees was extremely positive, with many praising the team’s friendly and welcoming approach. Comments included:
“Loved the service 10 out of 10”
“Ladies are lovely, friendly and doing amazing work”
“Great team, great experience and conversation”
“Good, quick and informative — should have done this long, long ago. Thank you!”
The event also created valuable networking opportunities with organisations across London that support young people, helping strengthen collaboration and future outreach work.
Despite the warm conditions, staff demonstrated exceptional commitment and professionalism throughout the day. A huge thank you to everyone involved:
- Kaylee – Health Promotion Manager
- Alice and Allison – Health Promotion Specialists
- Anne-Marie – Bank Support Worker
- Jasmin – Health Care Support Worker
- Joy – Hep B Peer Support Worker
The event highlighted the importance of taking sexual health information and support directly into communities and creating safe spaces for open and honest conversations.
Find out more about CAMISH here.
Find out more about CLASH here.