Quick summary: Weldricks Pharmacy has launched an anonymous nationwide survey to understand the barriers girls and women in the UK face when accessing contraception, with stigma, embarrassment, and long wait times among the key concerns driving the initiative. The findings will be used to shape staff training, service design, and public education, with community pharmacies increasingly positioned to fill gaps left by overstretched GP surgeries and sexual health clinics. With nearly half of UK women reporting difficulty accessing their preferred contraception, the survey represents a practical step towards services that are more responsive, more discreet, and better aligned with the real-world experiences of those who use them.
Weldricks Pharmacy has launched a nationwide survey to understand how girls and women experience contraception, with a focus on attitudes, access, and the stigma that continues to shape how many seek support.
Despite advances in contraceptive choice and availability, research consistently shows that embarrassment, fear of judgement, misinformation, and social taboos remain significant barriers. Nearly half of women in the UK report difficulty accessing their preferred contraception, including long waits for appointments. The survey aims to capture real-world experiences, exploring where women feel confident, where they encounter obstacles, and how stigma influences decisions around advice, regular contraception, and emergency methods. Findings will inform future service design, staff training, and public education initiatives.
Community pharmacies play a key role in contraception access. They serve as accessible points for advice and supply of oral contraception under the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service, introduced in 2023 to improve choice and convenience across England. Over 30% of women access contraception through retail outlets such as pharmacies, though many still rely on GP surgeries or sexual health clinics. Stigma, embarrassment, and cultural factors continue to deter timely support, particularly among younger women and some ethnic minority groups.
Richard Hackett, director of pharmacy services at Weldricks, said: “Community pharmacies are often the most accessible point of contact for contraception, yet we know that many women still feel uncomfortable or judged when asking for support. This survey is about listening. By understanding what women actually think and experience, we can shape services that feel more private, more respectful, and more empowering, while also challenging the stigma that should have no place in modern healthcare.”
The survey is anonymous, takes only a few minutes to complete, and is open to girls and women across the UK. Participants receive a discount code as a thank-you. It can be accessed here.
Weldricks operates more than 60 pharmacies, primarily in South Yorkshire, and employs over 600 staff. The company has built its reputation on accessible, patient-centred care since its family-owned origins.