In a bid to reduce levels of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) chlamydia among young people in Leeds, HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) will be hitting the city’s bar and club scene to encourage people to take a chlamydia test during their night out.

Testing is a very simple process; young people are given a sample pot and asked to discreetly provide a urine sample (for men) or self-administered swab (for women) in the bar or club toilet cubicle. Samples will then be collected and posted off to the lab, with the results available within a week. For those who test positive, THT will provide antibiotics to treat the infection free of charge. THT staff will also hand out condoms and safer sex information at the nightspots they visit.

In 2007, those in the 16-24 age bracket accounted for nearly half of all STIs in the UK, and approximately one in fourteen under 25s in the UK has undiagnosed chlamydia. Part of the reason chlamydia is so widespread is that most people with the infection have no symptoms, and it only takes one sexual encounter to pass it on. If left untreated chlamydia can lead to serious health problems, including infertility.

The THT team will be visiting the following locations:

• Saturday 20th February – Bar Risa, Albion Street
• Monday 22nd February – The Sports Bar, Templar Lane
• Friday 26th February – The Cockpit, Swinegate

Naomi McCulloch, Centre Manager for THT in Leeds, said: “Many young people feel nervous about taking an STI test, but they needn’t. Most modern tests are quick and non-invasive; after they’ve done it once, people often wonder what they were so worried about. We hope that, by actually getting out into the bars and clubs and showing young people how easy it is, they’ll be encouraged to test for STIs year after year.”

This work is part of an ongoing programme to bring down undiagnosed chlamydia across Leeds, with more venues signed up to participate in the near future. Bar and club owners who would like the THT team to visit their premises should contact Ewan McPherson on ewan.mcpherson@tht.org.uk.

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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