THT target East End girls and boys
Rising rates of sexually transmitted diseases among young people, gay and straight, have prompted the establishment of a new young people’s sexual health service in South Islington.
It is run by the Terrence Higgins Trust, the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity, and the City YMCA.
The service offers testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), advice on contraception, and managing relationships to 16 to 24-year-olds, who are often at higher risk of infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
Adam Wilkinson, London Operations Manager for THT said:
“Our services are quick, convenient and located right where they’re needed.
“Young people are at particularly high risk of STIs so it makes sense to take sexual health services to them. Fast testing and treatment will also bring down the numbers of new infections.”
The clinic at the YMCA youth centre, “The Drum,” in Old Street, will run two days a week; on Tuesdays between 5.30 – 8.30 and on Saturdays between 12.30pm to 3.30pm.
In order to support projects like these and raise money for the Terrence Higgins Trust, six men from Bristol are having their chest hair waxed off.
Darryl Bullock, who made headlines around the world as the first man in the UK to apply for the dissolution of a Civil Partnership, will be taking part along with his partner Niall Milligan. They hope to raise at least £2,000.
Mr Milligan said: “Terrence Higgins Trust do some outstanding work. The charity needs every penny it can get to continue the work they do in fighting, treating and educating people about HIV/AIDS, and this is a way that we can support that work and have a bit of fun at the same time.”
The waxing will take place on Friday, 23 February in the Old Market Tavern in Bristol from 7.30pm.
For more information about the young people’s sexual health clinic contact The Drum Sexual Health Service on 020 7549 0475 or THT Direct on 0845 12 21 200.