HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) and 4YP Bristol is calling for young people in Bristol to take part in an innovative new sex and relationships education (SRE) project. THT is looking to recruit a team of 14-19 year olds from across the city to represent the needs and views of their peers on sexual health.

Commissioned by NHS Bristol, The THT 4YP Youth Team will act as peer educators, designing and leading sexual health campaigns to educate young people in Bristol about sex and relationships. All team members will receive accredited training on relationships, sex, and sexual health, as well as teamwork and communication skills. Young people interested in taking part don’t need specific skills or experience; just energy, enthusiasm, and the ambition to make a difference.

As part of the group, they will strengthen their team work skills through activity away days, represent young people in the city on various health committees, and support events aimed at raising awareness and getting information out to young people.

Louise Sweeney, Project Manager for the THT 4YP Youth Team, said: “With high rates of teenage pregancy and sexually transmitted infections, it’s more vital than ever that young people know how to protect themselves. We know that good quality sex education helps young people resist pressure to have sex too early and make safer choices. However, young people tell us they only want information that’s relevant to them, and they want it to be delivered by people of their own age.”

Lizzie Henden, NHS Bristol, said: “Here in Bristol, the THT 4YP Youth Team will play an important role in ensuring young people have a voice on these critical issues. Through youth-led campaigns, the team can get out there and start talking to their peers about issues like birth control, condoms, HIV and STIs. Full training will be provided so, if you’re aged 14 – 19 and live in Bristol, don’t hesitate to drop us a line to find out how you can get involved.”

Lauren, a young person living in Bristol, said: "I feel it is important for young people to get involved because they will gain a greater understanding of sexual health and the services available to them which they can share with their friends. This is a chance to get involved in something positive."

For young people interested in participating, there will be open days at THT’s Bristol centre on Saturday 7th and Sunday 15th August. For further information, or to take part in the project, please email info.bristol@tht.org.uk, call THT’s Bristol centre on 0117 955 1000, or text 07505223406.

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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. 4YP Bristol – part of NHS Bristol – offers a number of services for 13-24 year olds across the city. This includes Brook 4YP drop-in clinics in 28 secondary schools and colleges, 4YP sexual health clinics across Bristol, 90% of pharmacies offer free emergency contraception, and 25 doctors surgeries are 4YP branded. The c-card (free condom) scheme is now run in over 100 locations across the city, including pharmacies, youth clubs, and doctors surgeries. Visit www.4ypbristol.co.uk for more information.