Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) has just started taking chlamydia testing for under 25s to the pubs and bars of Doncaster, Rotherham, Bassetlaw and Barnsley, as well as to football clubs, colleges and youth groups. Local actress Julia Mallam, who played Dawn Woods in Emmerdale, is backing the campaign urging young people to get tested for chlamydia.

Julia said “Terrence Higgins Trust is a fantastic charity and I think it's great that they’re offering chlamydia testing to young people in venues across our region. I was shocked to hear that around 1 in 10 are infected and many don’t have symptoms.  I’d urge people to go and get a test, they’re being offered in regular clinics and in places like bars and pubs so there’s no excuse not to!”

The chlamydia test is quick and easy. It 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 workers also offer information and advice on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and safer sex to young people, as well as giving out free condoms.  If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious health problems, including infertility. 

Denise Dunn, who’s managing the screening programme said “We’ve found that testing in pubs and bars really works.  It only takes a minute when people are in the loos anyway and there’s no embarrassment factor as the sexes are separated.  Chlamydia can be really serious but most young people don’t even think about it so what we really want is more pubs and bars to come on board with us.”

Terrence Higgins Trust is working with local Primary Care Trusts to try and increase the amount of young people who are tested for chlamydia.

For further information on testing locally or if you’re a pub or bar manager who would like to help please contact 01302 730400 or text 07816 068518.

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