Approximately one in ten under 25s locally have undiagnosed chlamydia and many risk passing it on to their partner.  To tackle this, HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is offering young people chlamydia tests at shopping centres, colleges, leisure centres and youth groups across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Worksop.
 

As well as handing out tests across the region, there are permanent sites in each area so those who are worried they may have put themselves at risk can go along and pick up a test kit.  The drop-in services are all aimed at young people and run at different times of the week depending on which site you visit.  

Most people with chlamydia don’t have any symptoms.  If left untreated chlamydia can lead to serious health problems, including infertility.  The chlamydia test involves taking a urine sample which is then posted off to the lab, results are available within a week.  For those who test positive, antibiotics to treat the infection are provided. The clinics and workers also offer information and advice on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and safer sex to young people, as well as giving out free condoms. 

Donald Branch, Director of Service Development at THT said “With Valentine’s Day fast approaching many young people will be thinking about getting loved up with their partner.  However, one in ten have chlamydia and risk passing it on through unprotected sex.  As well as encouraging young people to use condoms, we’re determined to try and bring this rate down.  By giving out kits in cinemas, colleges and shopping centres we hope to get more young people testing. If you’re under 25 and offered a test, please take it.  It’ll only be five minutes out of your day and it could help you avoid serious health problems in future.”

For those who want to attend a clinic, they are held at the following times and locations:

• Barnsley, Metrodome, Queens Road, S71 1AN
  Monday 5-8pm
  Tuesday 5 – 8pm
  
• Doncaster, 7 Nether Hall Road, DN1 2PH
  Tuesday 3-5pm
  Thursday 4-7pm
   
• Rotherham, 42B Moorgate Road, S60 2AW
  Wednesday 4-6pm
  Thursday 3-5pm
  
• Youth Café, 35 Howard Street, S65 1VQ
  Friday 12-2pm
   
• Worksop, Ryton Street Health Centre, Ryton Street, S80 1AA
  Tuesday 10am-12
  Friday 3-5pm
  Saturday 2-4pm
  For further information on chlamydia testing locally, please contact 01302 730400 or text 07816 068518.

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