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December 1, 2008 Feeling hard up? Terrence Higgins Trust finds sex is the answer to the credit crunch crisis |  |
As the credit crunch bites harder it’s no surprise that cash strapped Britons are looking for budget ways keep themselves amused. In a poll published by Terrence Higgins Trust today, World AIDS Day, sex was voted our favourite free activity.
In a YouGov survey of over 2,000 people across England, Scotland and Wales, getting passionate with a partner was the most popular choice, over gossiping with friends, going to a museum or window shopping.
Recent reports show that condom sales are increasing, backing up the findings of the poll. A packet of condoms costs a fraction of the cost of a night out and experts say exercise is one way to keep those happy hormones flowing.
Lisa Power, Head of Policy at Terrence Higgins Trust said “During the credit crunch our famed British upper lip might not be as stiff as before but other parts still are. We’re glad that people are finding ways of relieving some of their credit crunch woes, but if there’s one thing it’s worth forking out for, it’s condoms. Alternatively you can get them free from family planning and sexual health clinics. Rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections are on the up so when you snuggle down with a partner, make sure you do it safely.”
Passion levels may also be tied to the cold weather as they are higher in the North and reduce the further South you go. Scots are the most passionate with 43% of them claiming that sex was their favourite free activity while London and the rest of the South trailed at 35%. There was also a big gender difference, women prefer to gossip with friends while men had sex firmly at the top of their list.
Comparative costs:
| Activity | ||
|---|---|---|
| An evening of entertainment | Romantic dinner for 2 = £25 - £100 | 3 pack of condoms = £3 Bottle of wine = £6 |
| Keeping fit | Gym membership = £30 -£70 a month | Sex = £0 (all month) |
| Keeping warm | Average heating bill for a year = £1,500 | Getting hot and heavy under the duvet = £0 |
| Relaxation | Full body massage at beauty salon = £40 - £70 | Full body massage from partner = £0 |
Results by region
| Total | London | Rest of South | Midlands & Wales | North | Scotland | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Window Shopping | 9% | 6% | 11% | 10% | 10% | 10% |
| Having Sex | 37% | 35% | 35% | 37% | 37% | 43% |
| Gossiping with friends | 18% | 23% | 18% | 17% | 17% | 13% |
| Going to a museum | 6% | 7% | 5% | 7% | 5% | 6% |
| None of these | 25% | 23% | 28% | 24% | 26% | 24% |
| Don’t know | 5% | 6% | 4% | 5% | 5% | 4% |
Ends
Notes to Editor
1. Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity with centres across England, Scotland and Wales. We're here to provide information and advice about HIV and sexual health and offer a range of services including sexual health checks, counselling and support groups. We campaign for a world where people with HIV live healthy lives, free from prejudice and discrimination and we promote good sexual health as a right and reality for all. Terrence Higgins Trust relies on donations to deliver a wide range of services. To make a donation, visit www.tht.org.uk
2. The poll was done by YouGov Plc for Terrence Higgins Trust. Total sample size was 2144 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 21-23 November 2008. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
For further information, please contact:
Lucy Handford, Press Officer
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7812 1623
Email: lucy.handford@tht.org.uk
Will Harris, Press Officer
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7812 1629
Email: will.harris@tht.org.uk
Sally Sharpe, Head of Media
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7812 1625
Email: sally.sharpe@tht.org.uk
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