Posted: 30/11/09
College aims to cut festive risk-taking
A two-day health event will encourage college students to enjoy themselves over the festive period without putting themselves at risk.
NHS Nottinghamshire County and West Nottinghamshire College are joining forces on 1 and 2 December to raise awareness of the danger of high-risk behaviour during the ‘party season’.
The event will be a great way of engaging with young people on key health issues affecting them.
Health workers will be offering sexual health advice; alcohol and drug awareness; stop smoking services and healthy eating advice. There will be entertainment and prize giveaways as well.
One area that young adults could be putting themselves at risk is the lack of regular Chlamydia screening tests. Statistics show one in 14 sexually active under 24-year-olds have the sexually transmitted infection, which doesn’t usually have any signs or symptoms. When left untreated, it can cause infertility.
Richard Keeton, Sexual Health lead at NHS Nottinghamshire County said: “This event will highlight the importance of students to be aware of their sexual health and the consequences of having unprotected sex.
“We want to uncover some of the myths around Chlamydia and highlight that getting tested is really discreet, quick and easy and results can be texted back. If treatment is required it is quick and effective.”
Jamie Wragg, team leader for the college’s health, safety and welfare team, said: “We’re looking forward to working with NHS Nottinghamshire County and jointly providing our students with some sound health advice prior to the party season.
“We’ll be proud to launch a short film at the event which featured our very own performing arts students who worked with NHS Nottinghamshire County to highlight Chlamydia in young people, which will be shown on You Tube and via NHS Nottinghamshire County’s website.”
Young people from Nottinghamshire aged 16-25 can get a free testing kit by visiting www.screen-me.org
The video can be viewed via You Tube at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBeySeB2PmQ&feature=channel
