An enabling environment is one that is acceptable and improves access for people at risk or affected by STIs and BBVs, and is important for the effective delivery of clinical services.

Ensuring clients are treated by all staff in a way that is respectful, non-judgemental and free of discrimination is essential for a service to be accessed by people who may be marginalised and who have limited access due to factors such as young age, culture, language, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status and drug use.

With regard to Aboriginal people, organisations and staff should have an understanding of cultural security and how to ensure it is provided through their services and programs. 

Despite the presence of specialist sexual health services, most STI management is provided through primary healthcare services that provide a range of health care to the entire community.

While it may not be possible to meet all the needs of priority populations or be feasible to change the location or infrastructure of existing services, changes can be made to reduce stigma and discrimination and remove barriers to access.

Be mindful about who the priority population is and issues specific to them. Engage the community to determine changes that could be made to reduce barriers and improve access.

Think about what your service does well and identify where there are barriers that could be addressed.

These factors will be different, depending on the location and client group, but could include changing opening hours, providing transport to enable youth to attend after school, setting aside specific clinic days, providing separate entrances for men and women, providing waiting rooms that are welcoming, and having youth and culturally appropriate resources available.