To mark Sexual Health Week 2010 (14-20 September), HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is launching its first ever Safe Sex Roadshow in towns across Shropshire.

During the week, a THT information stall will tour town centres in Telford, Ludlow, Shrewsbury, and Oswestry, with the aim of encouraging local people to use condoms and test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). As well as handing out free condoms and safe sex information, THT staff will be offering chlamydia tests to local young people, and answering questions about sex and sexual health. The stand will also run a competition to guess the amount of condoms in a jar, with the closest guess winning a gross of condoms.

In 2009, there were 30,776 people treated for STIs in the West Midlands, a 12% increase on the previous year, with those in the 16-24 age bracket accounting for around two-thirds of all STIs in the region. In the UK as a whole, approximately one in fourteen under 25s has undiagnosed chlamydia.

Jane Morel, Regional Manager for THT in the Midlands, said: “Sexually transmitted infections continue to be a growing problem in Shropshire, but they can be easily avoided. As well as giving out free condoms, our staff will be offering advice and information about sexual health, including where people can get tested if they’re worried they’ve put themselves at risk. We hope that, by getting out on the road and speaking directly to people across the county, we’ll remind them to stay safe and healthy.”

THT’s Safe Sex Roadshow will tour the following locations:

• Monday 13th September – Ludlow Market, Ludlow
• Wednesday 15th September – Telford Shopping Centre, Telford
• Thursday 16th September – Charles Darwin Shopping Centre, Shrewsbury
• Friday 17th September – Oswestry Charity Market, Oswestry

From Tuesday 14th – Friday 24th September, a separate information stall aimed specifically at young people will be situated at Telford College of Arts & Technology.

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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