My STI of the week blog seems to be turning into STI of the month, at best - apologies for that, there seems to always be lots to do and my blog falls by the wayside... So, this will be my last blog of 2011 - how the time has flown this year - and my carefully chosen STI of the *week* is....
SYPHILIS!
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is usually passed on through having sex with someone who is infected. It can also be passed from an infected mother to her unborn child and, in rare cases, can be caught through injecting drugs.
There are three stages to the disease;
Stage 1 is known as 'Primary Syphilis' and is when symptoms appear as a painless but highly infectious sore on the genitals or around the mouth. The sore usually lasts between two and six weeks before disappearing.
Stage 2 is known as 'Secondary Syphilis' and is when a skin rash and sore throat may develop. These symptoms may disappear within a few weeks, after which you can experience a phase with no symptoms which can last for years.
Stage 3 is know as 'Tertiary Syphilis' and is the most dangerous stage as it can cause serious damage to the body. During this stage usually the infection has been in your body over 2 years, after which you are no longer infectious to other people. Although you are no longer infectious, you may still experience symptoms.
Luckily, Syphilis is one of the less common STI's although there was a peak between 2001 & 2004 in the UK. The disease usually spreads between men who have sex with men, however it is known that people with Syphilis are 3-5 times before likely to contract HIV.
If Syphilis is detected during its early stages then it can be treated with anitbiotics injections, however if it is not treated syphilis can progress to a dangerous form of the disease which can cause stroke, paralysis, blindness or even death.
Whilst wearing condoms can help reduce the risk of catching Syphilis, it can't prevent it totally as the infection can be caught if the mouth comes into contact with an infected sore, using a dental dam during oral sex may reduce the risk of this occuring. Regular checks at the GUM clinic for you and your partner will give you peace of mind that you are clear.
Remember, if you live in Suffolk you can register for the C-Card scheme which gives you access to **FREE** condoms and chlamydia testing, together with advice on STI's and self examination and MUCH more! To find out where you can register visit the C-Card page of the No Risks website.
For more information on Syphilis, or any other STI's please visit the No Risks website.
That's all for now folks.. Have a very Happy New Year and remember to STAY SAFE!!
No Risks x
Friday, 30 December 2011
Friday, 16 December 2011
**Christmas & Condoms**
So what if you need condoms over Christmas? Or you think you may have an STI and want someone to talk to?
Well here in Ipswich you can still access 4YP - their opening hours for the festive period are as follows:
Whilst lots of places will be shut over the Christmas period, our Call Centre will be open from 8am until 8pm every day, including Christmas Day & Boxing Day, and will be able to book appointments for clinics once they reopen.
For any emergency contraception requests please call your local Out Of Hours GP service.
Take Care everyone and remember to stay safe this Christmas!
No Risks x
Thursday, 8 December 2011
A Day at Hollesley Bay..
So yesterday was a day of completely unexpected events, and to be honest, I learnt a MASSIVE lesson.
First off, some background on the prison itself; Hollesley Bay is an open complex for Catagory D prisoners, they are young offenders, or guys who are nearing the end of their life sentences. The prisoners are given the opportunity to go 'off site' to work and are also allowed the occasional weekend home.
Right, the day itself.. I'll be honest, I was dreading the outreach event we had planned, I wasn't sure what to expect at all, and was filled with lots of misconceptions. After all, prisoners are prisoners aren't they? And they're all locked away for doing something awful aren't they?
Well, of course, they are prisoners, and they have done something wrong - in most cases - however, they are humans too, and they have as much right to be treated as humans as you and I do.. I spent the day talking to some of the most respectful and polite guys that I have ever come across. Many asked some really important and interesting questions and I left feeling like I had truely helped to educate some people on the importance of wearing condoms and preventing STI's, together with the techniques that they should be using for self examination. The day went FAR too quickly, and before I knew it we were packing up to come away. It was a strange feeling, not only to come away with the sense of having educated people, but also in a way to have people's stories lingering in mind, not necessarily their past, but those who are about to move on and have a future, and I have to admit, they played on my mind all evening. I only hope that once back out in the 'world' they remember the advice given to them by the 'No Risks' team.
So, my lesson was well and truly learnt, and next time perhaps I'll remember not to be so judgemental and to wait and see what events have in store before I decide I'm going to hate it!
Take Care,
No Risks x
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| Hollesley Bay Open Prison |
First off, some background on the prison itself; Hollesley Bay is an open complex for Catagory D prisoners, they are young offenders, or guys who are nearing the end of their life sentences. The prisoners are given the opportunity to go 'off site' to work and are also allowed the occasional weekend home.
Right, the day itself.. I'll be honest, I was dreading the outreach event we had planned, I wasn't sure what to expect at all, and was filled with lots of misconceptions. After all, prisoners are prisoners aren't they? And they're all locked away for doing something awful aren't they?
Well, of course, they are prisoners, and they have done something wrong - in most cases - however, they are humans too, and they have as much right to be treated as humans as you and I do.. I spent the day talking to some of the most respectful and polite guys that I have ever come across. Many asked some really important and interesting questions and I left feeling like I had truely helped to educate some people on the importance of wearing condoms and preventing STI's, together with the techniques that they should be using for self examination. The day went FAR too quickly, and before I knew it we were packing up to come away. It was a strange feeling, not only to come away with the sense of having educated people, but also in a way to have people's stories lingering in mind, not necessarily their past, but those who are about to move on and have a future, and I have to admit, they played on my mind all evening. I only hope that once back out in the 'world' they remember the advice given to them by the 'No Risks' team.
So, my lesson was well and truly learnt, and next time perhaps I'll remember not to be so judgemental and to wait and see what events have in store before I decide I'm going to hate it!
Take Care,
No Risks x
Friday, 25 November 2011
World Aids Day!
So this morning, an excitement spread throughout the 'No Risks' office... No, not because it's a month today until Christmas.. but because our order of goodies from Terrance Higgins Trust have arrived in preparation of 'World Aids Day' which takes place on 1st December!
We are planning an exciting event in Ipswich town centre and we are loaded with balloons, posters, red ribbons, stickers and temporary tattoos all branded with this years theme of 'StandUpStandOut'
So.. If you can raise some cash by Standing Up & Standing Out, by organising a wear it red day in your school/college/office... or simply by selling red ribbons then THT pledge to....
- Continue to provide vital care and support for people living with HIV and their families.
- Raise awareness of HIV to those most at risk to help prevent further spread of the virus.
- Spend every penny you raise wisely.
So in essence.. we get to do the easy bit! And THT do the rest and continue their hardwork and wonderful support for people with HIV by providing telephone support, HIV testing and post exposure treatment, education, councelling and MUCH MUCH more!
Wherever you are and whatever you plan to do remember that the money you raise will make a massive difference to THT, every penny really does help...
Stay safe..
No Risks x
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
I *must* get around to Blogging....
And FINALLY... here I am, catching up with the blog...
'No Risks' HQ has been rushed off our feet with various goings-on. Last week we notched up a total of 141 C-Card registrations at Farlingaye High School, over the course of 2 lunch time sessions. The young people were brilliant to work with and now have access to free condoms and chlamydia testing, not only within their school environment, but also throughout Suffolk!
We can now also announce that we have four new Sexual Health Advisors, who will be manning the 0300 123 3650 telephone number and who will be able to not only create and amend your appointments but following the appropriate Level 1 training, will also be able to offer contraceptive advice too!
Tomorrow I'll be out at UCS participating in their 'Cakes & Condoms' event.. obviously UCS will be providing the cakes and we will bring along the condoms.. What more could you UCS students possibly want?!?
Next week I will be back at Kesgrave High School, doing a DOUBLE WHAMMY of registrations!! Lets see if we can top the Farlingaye record! :)
Okay all... STI of the Week will be back up and running later this week... suggestions welcome.. Remember, if you need any STI or relationship advice please visit the No Risks website.
Take Care,
No Risks x
'No Risks' HQ has been rushed off our feet with various goings-on. Last week we notched up a total of 141 C-Card registrations at Farlingaye High School, over the course of 2 lunch time sessions. The young people were brilliant to work with and now have access to free condoms and chlamydia testing, not only within their school environment, but also throughout Suffolk!
We can now also announce that we have four new Sexual Health Advisors, who will be manning the 0300 123 3650 telephone number and who will be able to not only create and amend your appointments but following the appropriate Level 1 training, will also be able to offer contraceptive advice too!
Tomorrow I'll be out at UCS participating in their 'Cakes & Condoms' event.. obviously UCS will be providing the cakes and we will bring along the condoms.. What more could you UCS students possibly want?!?
Next week I will be back at Kesgrave High School, doing a DOUBLE WHAMMY of registrations!! Lets see if we can top the Farlingaye record! :)
Okay all... STI of the Week will be back up and running later this week... suggestions welcome.. Remember, if you need any STI or relationship advice please visit the No Risks website.
Take Care,
No Risks x
Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Outreach & the C-Card....
Yet another busy couple of weeks at 'No Risks' HQ...
Tomorrow is the day which we have working towards and planning for months! We will be setting up for our second Level 1 Training day with various colleges and organisations to enable them to have the skills required to register young people on the C-Card, and also to have a discussion with young people about Sexual Health... Tomorrow we will be delivering the course to nearly 60 people, which means more access to free condoms in Suffolk, hurrah! :)
I have also been SUPER busy with outreach.. So far this week we have attended World Mental Health Day at Suffolk New College, and today we did a 'No Risks' promotion event at Kesgrave High School.
Tomorrow is the day which we have working towards and planning for months! We will be setting up for our second Level 1 Training day with various colleges and organisations to enable them to have the skills required to register young people on the C-Card, and also to have a discussion with young people about Sexual Health... Tomorrow we will be delivering the course to nearly 60 people, which means more access to free condoms in Suffolk, hurrah! :)
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| Kesgrave High School - 'No Risks' Promotion |
I have also been SUPER busy with outreach.. So far this week we have attended World Mental Health Day at Suffolk New College, and today we did a 'No Risks' promotion event at Kesgrave High School.
Last week we were lucky enough to be invited along to the Wattisham Army Air Corps Health Fair. We gave out lots of condoms to the soldiers and gave Sexual Health advice to anyone who came to speak with us.. I even gave an interview on Wattisham Barracks Radio! The heart shaped and glow in the dark condoms were very popular with the guys and girls there and everyone seemed to have a really good day...
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Wattisham Health Fair |
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Wattisham Army Air Corps |
We are really really pleased to be invited to so many brilliant events where we get to meet some truely fantastic people...
If anyone in Suffolk needs information on STI's, Sexual Health, Relationship or further information on the C-Card then please visit No Risks.
Take care!
x
Monday, 26 September 2011
***STI Of The Week - Week 6... CHLAMYDIA!***
I know, I know, I'm pretty rubbish and my STI of the week blog is turning into STI of the fortnight, I will catch up eventually, things are all too busy at 'No Risks' HQ with all you freshers wanting merchandise and many other exciting things going on...
So I'm on catch up and I thought I would attempt to redeem myself with a really really important topic.. Chlamydia.. and it's so important because it is now the most commonly diagnosed STI in the UK.
The scary thing about chlamydia, is that it doesn't always show any symptoms and the scariest fact?? It can cause infertility if it is left untreated.
You lovely people of Suffolk are very lucky, we have a really great Chlamydia Screening Team who visit schools and colleges and also, when 'No Risks' are out and about we usually have testing kits with us too.. its SO easy to get tested, for the guys, you just pee in a pot and for the girls its just a really simple quick swab which you do yourselves and seal up in a postal kit which we send off to the lab.
If your results are negative you get a text within 7 - 10 days and if they are positive one of the lovely nurses will give you a call and arrange your treatment, which generally is a course of antibiotics.
Unfortunately chlamydia is easily passed around through sexual contact, so if you do have it then you will need to let your sexual partners know so they too can be tested.
Of course what you SHOULD be doing is using condoms... and considering they are **FREE** to anyone with a C-Card you have no excuse at all!
For more information on Chlamydia, or any other STI please visit the 'No Risks' website.
Take care & stay safe!
No Risks x
So I'm on catch up and I thought I would attempt to redeem myself with a really really important topic.. Chlamydia.. and it's so important because it is now the most commonly diagnosed STI in the UK.
The scary thing about chlamydia, is that it doesn't always show any symptoms and the scariest fact?? It can cause infertility if it is left untreated.
You lovely people of Suffolk are very lucky, we have a really great Chlamydia Screening Team who visit schools and colleges and also, when 'No Risks' are out and about we usually have testing kits with us too.. its SO easy to get tested, for the guys, you just pee in a pot and for the girls its just a really simple quick swab which you do yourselves and seal up in a postal kit which we send off to the lab.
If your results are negative you get a text within 7 - 10 days and if they are positive one of the lovely nurses will give you a call and arrange your treatment, which generally is a course of antibiotics.
Unfortunately chlamydia is easily passed around through sexual contact, so if you do have it then you will need to let your sexual partners know so they too can be tested.
Of course what you SHOULD be doing is using condoms... and considering they are **FREE** to anyone with a C-Card you have no excuse at all!
For more information on Chlamydia, or any other STI please visit the 'No Risks' website.
Take care & stay safe!
No Risks x
Friday, 23 September 2011
Sexual Health Week, Freshers & New Friends!
Whoa.. What a manic couple of weeks it has been here at 'No Risks' HQ!
So lets start at the beginning... Last week was Sexual Health Week, as organised and promoted by our lovely friends at FPA. We decided to take their theme of 'Facts of Life - talking to your children about sex' and produce our own survey, to find out from the people of Suffolk how they have, or intend to talk to their children about sex, and also how young people have found sex education in their schools. Results of the surveys are going to be released very soon so watch this space!
So lets start at the beginning... Last week was Sexual Health Week, as organised and promoted by our lovely friends at FPA. We decided to take their theme of 'Facts of Life - talking to your children about sex' and produce our own survey, to find out from the people of Suffolk how they have, or intend to talk to their children about sex, and also how young people have found sex education in their schools. Results of the surveys are going to be released very soon so watch this space!
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| UCS Freshers Fair! |
This week has been another chaotic week with various outreach events going on - We kicked the week off with a day at University Campus Suffolk 'Freshers Fair'. It really was an amazing event with SO many students who were all keen to grab themselves some 'No Risks' merchandise! The bendy pencils went down a storm, as did the lollipops which we were dishing out!
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| Suffolk New College Freshers Fair! |
We followed the Freshers Fair events onto Suffolk New College - It was a really busy day and the stand was really popular. We worked alongside our friends at the Chlamydia Screening Team and chatted to lots of really lovely young people and tried to advertise the 'No Risks' brand, together with the wonderful C-Card scheme.
In the middle of the week we took a break from the Freshers Fairs to attend a Health & Well-being event at Genesis Orwell Mencap - We met some great young people from all different walks of life who sometimes have to overcome more difficult challanges than others do. The stand was a great hit with young people and parents/carers alike and lots of information was given out. We were also really impressed to witness these young people make their own smoothies by powering the blender with an excercise bike! Very cool!
We really REALLY do appreciate everyone taking the time to come and say hi when we are out and about with the display and everyone who did so really made this an awesome week, so thanks to each and everyone of you!
If you missed out on seeing our stand this week then fret not, we are very frequently out and about and I'm sure you will see us soon!
Take care & have a good weekend!
No Risks x
Friday, 9 September 2011
Sexual Health Week 2011!
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| SEXUAL HEALTH WEEK 12th - 18th September 2011 |
It has been a few really busy days at 'No Risks' HQ, with the approach of Sexual Health Week next week it's all systems go! My bags are packed and the car is loaded ready for a week jam packed with outreach events, starting with Morrisons pharmacy in Felixstowe on Monday! We are then moving onto Suffolk One on Tuesday to register some of their new young people on the 'C-Card' scheme and showing off some of our wonderful new pieces of merchandise. Wednesday we are off to Morrisons in Ipswich to publisise the FPA Sexual Health Week's theme of 'facts of life - talking to your children about sex', and lastly Thursday we will be setting up our stand in Tower Ramparts Shopping Centre in Ipswich to talk to everyone about Sexual Health and the kind of Sex Education they received.
During the course of the week we will also be surveying as many people as we can, so if you live in Suffolk please take our survey; here for young people, and here for adults.
Whatever you will be doing make sure you stay safe, and if you live in Suffolk and have any questions about Sex, Relationships or STI's make sure you visit the 'No Risks' website or call our friendly call centre staff to make an appointment at one of our clinics on 0300 023 3650.
Have a good weekend, and stay safe!
No Risks x
Friday, 2 September 2011
**STI Of The Week - Week 5... Non-Specific Urethritis!**
This week's STI of the week is Non-Specific Urethritis!
Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
Urethritis is usually caused by infection, although this is not always the case. The term non-specific urethritis is used when the cause of the urethritis has not yet been identified, but it is known that gonorrhoea
Urethritis is one of the most common reasons for men to visit their local clinic . There are around 80,000 cases of urethritis diagnosed in men visiting GUM clinics every year. It is more difficult to diagnose urethritis in women because it may not cause as many symptoms.
It is usually treated with antibiotics and the symptoms usually go away within two weeks. It is important that past and current sexual partners are also treated to prevent any infection spreading to other people.
Women often have no symptoms, but if it is caused by chlamydia it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease if it is not treated.
It is important to remember to use condoms, anyone in Suffolk who has a 'C-Card' already has access to them for FREE! For those of you who are yet to get your 'C-Card' you can find out how by visiting 'No Risks'.
Have a good weekend every and remember to take care!!
Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
Urethritis is usually caused by infection, although this is not always the case. The term non-specific urethritis is used when the cause of the urethritis has not yet been identified, but it is known that gonorrhoea
Urethritis is one of the most common reasons for men to visit their local clinic . There are around 80,000 cases of urethritis diagnosed in men visiting GUM clinics every year. It is more difficult to diagnose urethritis in women because it may not cause as many symptoms.
It is usually treated with antibiotics and the symptoms usually go away within two weeks. It is important that past and current sexual partners are also treated to prevent any infection spreading to other people.
Women often have no symptoms, but if it is caused by chlamydia it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease if it is not treated.
It is important to remember to use condoms, anyone in Suffolk who has a 'C-Card' already has access to them for FREE! For those of you who are yet to get your 'C-Card' you can find out how by visiting 'No Risks'.
Have a good weekend every and remember to take care!!
Wednesday, 24 August 2011
Have You Stayed Safe This Summer??
Here's a staggering fact for you.. Of 3000 people surveyed, 35% admitted having unsafe sex with a stranger or new partner whilst away on holiday! 35%!!!
But it seems that of the 35%, the 26-30 year old age bracket were least likely to have had unsafe sex, only 6% didn't use condoms - So what percentage of 50+yr olds do you think practiced unsafe sex on holiday?? 16%!
Do you think this is down to sex education? Is it because these days talking about sex isn't such a taboo subject and therefore young people know where and how to access free condoms and other methods of contraception?
Whatever age you are - If you are off on your hols, or even staying at home, don't forget to use condoms.. Read our STI of the week blog for some pretty good reasons why they are important!
If you live in Suffolk and need free condoms then visit the No Risks website.
Stay safe!
But it seems that of the 35%, the 26-30 year old age bracket were least likely to have had unsafe sex, only 6% didn't use condoms - So what percentage of 50+yr olds do you think practiced unsafe sex on holiday?? 16%!
Do you think this is down to sex education? Is it because these days talking about sex isn't such a taboo subject and therefore young people know where and how to access free condoms and other methods of contraception?
Whatever age you are - If you are off on your hols, or even staying at home, don't forget to use condoms.. Read our STI of the week blog for some pretty good reasons why they are important!
If you live in Suffolk and need free condoms then visit the No Risks website.
Stay safe!
Wednesday, 17 August 2011
**STI Of The Week - Week 4... HERPES!**
My STI of the week this week was chosen after reading an interesting news article the other day; a guy has been jailed for 14 months, for knowlingly giving his girlfriend genital herpes whilst they were in a relationship together.
So how serious is genital herpes? And does it deserve a jail sentence for passing it on? Let's find out....
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 or type 2. It causes painful blisters to appear on the genitals and the surrounding areas. Herpes can also be found in the anus, eyes and mouth - which are more commonly known as coldsores.
HSV is highly contagious and can be passed easily from one person to another by direct contact. Genital herpes is usually transmitted by having sex (vaginal, anal or oral) with an infected person. Even if someone with genital herpes does not have any symptoms, it is possible for them to pass the condition on to a sexual partner.
Herpes is a long term condition - once you have it, it's there for life although the reoccurances do slow down as the years pass. and symptoms can be controlled with antiviral medication, but there is no cure. Sometimes it remains dormant, so in 8 out of 10 people they may not even know that they have it.
So all that said, it's not a particularly nice condition, especially since it's there for life and therefore could have an affect on future relationships - 14 months in prison actually seems like a small price to pay!
It's not too hard to stay safe, make sure that you use a condom with all your sexual partners.. And of course the easiest way to do that if you live in Suffolk is to register on the 'C-Card' scheme, giving you access to not only free condoms, but also chlamydia testing too! For more information visit the 'No Risks' website.
Take care and stay safe!!
So how serious is genital herpes? And does it deserve a jail sentence for passing it on? Let's find out....
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 or type 2. It causes painful blisters to appear on the genitals and the surrounding areas. Herpes can also be found in the anus, eyes and mouth - which are more commonly known as coldsores.
HSV is highly contagious and can be passed easily from one person to another by direct contact. Genital herpes is usually transmitted by having sex (vaginal, anal or oral) with an infected person. Even if someone with genital herpes does not have any symptoms, it is possible for them to pass the condition on to a sexual partner.
Herpes is a long term condition - once you have it, it's there for life although the reoccurances do slow down as the years pass. and symptoms can be controlled with antiviral medication, but there is no cure. Sometimes it remains dormant, so in 8 out of 10 people they may not even know that they have it.
So all that said, it's not a particularly nice condition, especially since it's there for life and therefore could have an affect on future relationships - 14 months in prison actually seems like a small price to pay!
It's not too hard to stay safe, make sure that you use a condom with all your sexual partners.. And of course the easiest way to do that if you live in Suffolk is to register on the 'C-Card' scheme, giving you access to not only free condoms, but also chlamydia testing too! For more information visit the 'No Risks' website.
Take care and stay safe!!
Tuesday, 9 August 2011
A Super Busy Week!
So, first of all, a *public* apology.. I didn't manage to find time to write my STI of the week blog last week, and this week looks unlikely too due to such busy schedules, however I promise that next weeks will be bigger and better than ever!
There is a lot going on in the news this week and one of the articles I have found most interesting was headlined "Teenage Pregnancy Is Contagious" - It would appear that a study of Norwegian teenage girls has shown that if a teen girls older sister had a baby in their teens then the younger sibling would follow suit in as many as 2 in 5 families.
So, what do you think? Is teenage pregnancy a trend? Leave me some comments below!
That's all for today folks, please do give us feedback on the blog and I *promise* that I will be back with STI of the week next week, in the meantime please visit No Risks for further details on STI's & all other Sexual Health issues.
Take Care!
There is a lot going on in the news this week and one of the articles I have found most interesting was headlined "Teenage Pregnancy Is Contagious" - It would appear that a study of Norwegian teenage girls has shown that if a teen girls older sister had a baby in their teens then the younger sibling would follow suit in as many as 2 in 5 families.
So, what do you think? Is teenage pregnancy a trend? Leave me some comments below!
That's all for today folks, please do give us feedback on the blog and I *promise* that I will be back with STI of the week next week, in the meantime please visit No Risks for further details on STI's & all other Sexual Health issues.
Take Care!
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
***STI Of The Week - Week 3.... Pubic Lice!***
Coming to you slightly early due to the manic busy schedules in the No Risk's office this week..
So, this week we are discussing Pubic Lice!
Pubic lice are the things which are more commonly known as 'crabs'... they can be found in the pubic hair, eyebrows and eyelashes, hair on the abdomen or back and also in facial hair, and once there they cause itching and red spots.
Pubic lice are caught through close contact with someone who has them, the most common way to catch them is during sexual contact. If you do find out you have pubic lice you need to inform current or previous partners from the past 3 months so that they can be checked and treated too.
The good news is, pubic lice can be treated fairly easily with medication available over the counter at a pharmacy, but it is always recommended that you get a full STI screening too, just to make sure that you are free from any other STI's.
STI screening is done at GUM clinics in Suffolk, details of which can be found on the No Risks website.
As always we would love to hear any recommendations for next week's STI of the week!
Take care!
So, this week we are discussing Pubic Lice!
Pubic lice are the things which are more commonly known as 'crabs'... they can be found in the pubic hair, eyebrows and eyelashes, hair on the abdomen or back and also in facial hair, and once there they cause itching and red spots.
Pubic lice are caught through close contact with someone who has them, the most common way to catch them is during sexual contact. If you do find out you have pubic lice you need to inform current or previous partners from the past 3 months so that they can be checked and treated too.
The good news is, pubic lice can be treated fairly easily with medication available over the counter at a pharmacy, but it is always recommended that you get a full STI screening too, just to make sure that you are free from any other STI's.
STI screening is done at GUM clinics in Suffolk, details of which can be found on the No Risks website.
As always we would love to hear any recommendations for next week's STI of the week!
Take care!
Friday, 22 July 2011
*STI Of The Week! - Week 2!*
After a lot of consideration, I have decided that this week's STI of the week should be the second most common STI, which is.....
***GENITAL WARTS!***
Genital warts are growths, bumps or skin changes which appear on or around the genital area. Genital warts are the result of a viral skin infection that is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Genital warts can be spread during vaginal or anal sex, and by sharing sex toys. However, you do not need to have penetrative sex to pass the infection on because HPV is spread by skin-to-skin contact. Condoms do not provide complete protection because it is possible for the skin around your genital area (that is not covered by the condom) to become infected.
The incubation period for genital warts (the time that it takes for symptoms to develop after developing an infection) can be as long as one year. Therefore, if you are in a relationship and you get genital warts, it does not necessarily mean that your partner has been having sex with other people.
The most common places for genital warts to develop in women are: around the vulva (the opening of the vagina), inside the vagina, between the vagina and the anus, around the anus, on the cervix (the neck of the womb), at the opening of the urethra.
The most common places for genital warts to develop in men are: on the shaft of the penis, usually just below the foreskin, around the anus, on the glans (the head of the penis), inside the urethra, under the foreskin, between the anus and scrotum (the bag that contains the testicles), on the scrotum.
It is recommended that you visit your local genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic (sexual health clinic) if you think that you may have genital warts. For information on how to find your nearest clinic in Suffolk visit the No Risks website.
While your GP will be able to diagnose genital warts, the staff at the GUM clinic will have both the access and the training that is required to administer the various treatments for genital warts.
Genital warts can usually be easily diagnosed by examining them. At a check-up, the doctor or nurse will examine the warts. They may use a magnifying lens to do this, women may also have an internal examination to help with the diagnosis.
Treatment for the warts is pretty simple; usually only a topical ointment which is applied directly to the wart, or by using a laser to destroy the tissue.
So it is all very well knowing about warts, but it's probably best to know HOW NOT to get them.. It's pretty simple, MAKE SURE YOU USE CONDOMS! Visit the No Risks website to find out more about registering on the Suffolk C-Card scheme which allows to get easy access to condoms, for *FREE*!!
For girls, you can also get the HPV vaccine, which is normally offered at between 12 & 13 years of age in your school, which consists of three injections that should ideally be given over a period of six months, although they can all be given over a period of 12 months.
All in all, if you are sexually active, there is a chance you could contract any STI, but the best way to look at it is to try and prevent this from happening, in most cases wearing a condom is a darn good start!
Take care and remember to look out for next week's STI of the week!
***GENITAL WARTS!***
Genital warts are growths, bumps or skin changes which appear on or around the genital area. Genital warts are the result of a viral skin infection that is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Genital warts can be spread during vaginal or anal sex, and by sharing sex toys. However, you do not need to have penetrative sex to pass the infection on because HPV is spread by skin-to-skin contact. Condoms do not provide complete protection because it is possible for the skin around your genital area (that is not covered by the condom) to become infected.
The incubation period for genital warts (the time that it takes for symptoms to develop after developing an infection) can be as long as one year. Therefore, if you are in a relationship and you get genital warts, it does not necessarily mean that your partner has been having sex with other people.
The most common places for genital warts to develop in women are: around the vulva (the opening of the vagina), inside the vagina, between the vagina and the anus, around the anus, on the cervix (the neck of the womb), at the opening of the urethra.
The most common places for genital warts to develop in men are: on the shaft of the penis, usually just below the foreskin, around the anus, on the glans (the head of the penis), inside the urethra, under the foreskin, between the anus and scrotum (the bag that contains the testicles), on the scrotum.
It is recommended that you visit your local genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic (sexual health clinic) if you think that you may have genital warts. For information on how to find your nearest clinic in Suffolk visit the No Risks website.
While your GP will be able to diagnose genital warts, the staff at the GUM clinic will have both the access and the training that is required to administer the various treatments for genital warts.
Genital warts can usually be easily diagnosed by examining them. At a check-up, the doctor or nurse will examine the warts. They may use a magnifying lens to do this, women may also have an internal examination to help with the diagnosis.
Treatment for the warts is pretty simple; usually only a topical ointment which is applied directly to the wart, or by using a laser to destroy the tissue.
So it is all very well knowing about warts, but it's probably best to know HOW NOT to get them.. It's pretty simple, MAKE SURE YOU USE CONDOMS! Visit the No Risks website to find out more about registering on the Suffolk C-Card scheme which allows to get easy access to condoms, for *FREE*!!
For girls, you can also get the HPV vaccine, which is normally offered at between 12 & 13 years of age in your school, which consists of three injections that should ideally be given over a period of six months, although they can all be given over a period of 12 months.
All in all, if you are sexually active, there is a chance you could contract any STI, but the best way to look at it is to try and prevent this from happening, in most cases wearing a condom is a darn good start!
Take care and remember to look out for next week's STI of the week!
Friday, 15 July 2011
STI Of The Week....
So, I have decided that I am going to attempt to do a blog each week, and each week we will have a nominated *STI of the Week*!
Given the press coverage that we have seen this week, I have choosen for our first STI of the week to be.... (imagine the drumroll)
*GONORRHOEA*
Gonorrhoea is an STI caused by a bacteria. The bacteria can cause unpleasant discharge from the penis and vagina. It can be passed to others by sexual contact and sharing sex toys (unless they have been washed inbetween or had a fresh condom on them).
The symptoms of Gonorrheoa usually show up within 2 weeks of infection, however 10% of men and 50% of women may not actually notice any symptoms - how scary is that! - Women may have an unusual discharge from the vagina that may be green or yellow in colour, as well as pain when passing urine. Other symptoms for women may include pain or tenderness in the lower abdominal area and bleeding between periods, although these are less common. Men may have a discharge from the penis which may be green, yellow or white in colour. They may also have pain on passing urine, inflammation of the foreskin or (in a small proportion of cases) pain and tenderness of the testicles or prostate gland.
Luckily, treatment for Gonorrhoea is really easy, just one dose of antibiotics is usually enough to sort it out.. but that said, wouldn't you rather not have to go through the whole process? Yes I hear you cry.. Well then it's easy, make sure you use CONDOMS!
Here is Suffolk we are doing a drive on condoms with the much anticipated arrived of the new keyfob style C-Card, allowing access to free condoms in outlets all over Suffolk.
For more information on how to register for a C-Card and the outlets which are currently distributing, please visit the No Risks website.
Thats all for now folks.. check back next week to see what our STI of the week is! :)
Take care!
Given the press coverage that we have seen this week, I have choosen for our first STI of the week to be.... (imagine the drumroll)
*GONORRHOEA*
Gonorrhoea is an STI caused by a bacteria. The bacteria can cause unpleasant discharge from the penis and vagina. It can be passed to others by sexual contact and sharing sex toys (unless they have been washed inbetween or had a fresh condom on them).
The symptoms of Gonorrheoa usually show up within 2 weeks of infection, however 10% of men and 50% of women may not actually notice any symptoms - how scary is that! - Women may have an unusual discharge from the vagina that may be green or yellow in colour, as well as pain when passing urine. Other symptoms for women may include pain or tenderness in the lower abdominal area and bleeding between periods, although these are less common. Men may have a discharge from the penis which may be green, yellow or white in colour. They may also have pain on passing urine, inflammation of the foreskin or (in a small proportion of cases) pain and tenderness of the testicles or prostate gland.
Luckily, treatment for Gonorrhoea is really easy, just one dose of antibiotics is usually enough to sort it out.. but that said, wouldn't you rather not have to go through the whole process? Yes I hear you cry.. Well then it's easy, make sure you use CONDOMS!
Here is Suffolk we are doing a drive on condoms with the much anticipated arrived of the new keyfob style C-Card, allowing access to free condoms in outlets all over Suffolk.
For more information on how to register for a C-Card and the outlets which are currently distributing, please visit the No Risks website.
Thats all for now folks.. check back next week to see what our STI of the week is! :)
Take care!
Friday, 1 July 2011
Friday, 24 June 2011
Are Wellie's The Only Rubbers You Need For Glasto?!
For all you lucky people who are reading our blog from the mud of Glastonbury, this one is just for you :)
The lovely people at the Terrence Higgens Trust (THT) are providing six volunteer support workers this year to help people look after their sexual health.
The volunteers will be running a Sexual Health stand in the Welfare zone from 10am - 10pm all over the weekend, to offer people advice, support and free condoms! The staff on the stand are also able to signpost anyone who needs help to the correct local services, including the sexual health clinics.
For anyone at the festival, keep your eyes open for the mobile condom cart, which will be travelling around the festival handing out free condoms!
So, if you are knee deep in mud, enjoying the music, don't forget that help is at hand, visit the welfare zone if you need some support, or get your free condoms from the condom cart - they are the most effective way to prevent STI's after all.
For anyone who isn't off enjoying the festival, visit the No Risks website to find out where you can get your free condoms in Suffolk, or 'like' our No Risks Facebook page to find out more about the new relaunched 'C-Card' scheme.
Take care! :)
The lovely people at the Terrence Higgens Trust (THT) are providing six volunteer support workers this year to help people look after their sexual health.
The volunteers will be running a Sexual Health stand in the Welfare zone from 10am - 10pm all over the weekend, to offer people advice, support and free condoms! The staff on the stand are also able to signpost anyone who needs help to the correct local services, including the sexual health clinics.
For anyone at the festival, keep your eyes open for the mobile condom cart, which will be travelling around the festival handing out free condoms!
So, if you are knee deep in mud, enjoying the music, don't forget that help is at hand, visit the welfare zone if you need some support, or get your free condoms from the condom cart - they are the most effective way to prevent STI's after all.
For anyone who isn't off enjoying the festival, visit the No Risks website to find out where you can get your free condoms in Suffolk, or 'like' our No Risks Facebook page to find out more about the new relaunched 'C-Card' scheme.
Take care! :)
Thursday, 16 June 2011
STI Testing..
Today the Nursing Times are reporting that there has been a decrease in the number of STI's, but that this could be due to the increase in people taking tests. In England last year there was a 10% rise of people taking a Chlamydia test, making the total number of tests a whopping 2.2 million! To read the article in full visit the Nursing Times website.
Doing a chlamydia test isn't as scary as it may seem, for girls it is a simple swab, and for boys a urine test, these get sent off the lab and results tend to come through within a week - so it's a fairly painless process!
For more information on all STI's, visit the STI page on the No Risks website or to make an appointment at one of our Sexual Health clinics in Suffolk call us in complete confidence on 0300 123 3650.
Take care!
Doing a chlamydia test isn't as scary as it may seem, for girls it is a simple swab, and for boys a urine test, these get sent off the lab and results tend to come through within a week - so it's a fairly painless process!
For more information on all STI's, visit the STI page on the No Risks website or to make an appointment at one of our Sexual Health clinics in Suffolk call us in complete confidence on 0300 123 3650.
Take care!
Wednesday, 15 June 2011
***It's 'Men's Health Week' 2011!***
So, this week is Men's Health Week, which is aimed at all you fella's who aren't all that hot at going to the Doctors! This year as part of MHW, a new guide to all things healthy has been created, so for those of you who are a bit adverse to making an appointment when you should, it teaches you to use the correct websites and tools online to perhaps seek the medical advice you need, without a face to face with the Doc. Of course, no website is going to be a replacement for a chat with your GP, but perhaps it will help to settle your fears about certain ailments that may be bothering you. For more information on Health Clicks, see the Male Health Mini Manual.
Oh, and an added bonus to Mens Health Week, for all you techie guys, the good people at Male Health have created a super cool free iPhone app, aptly named Blokes Noises :)
Of course, as always another way to find top of the range information on all things Sexual Health visit the No Risks website.
If after all this, you are still GP shy, then make sure that you use the tools available to you, seek a bit of reassurance, and remember, whatever your issue, the GP will have seen it all before..
Take Care! x
Oh, and an added bonus to Mens Health Week, for all you techie guys, the good people at Male Health have created a super cool free iPhone app, aptly named Blokes Noises :)
Of course, as always another way to find top of the range information on all things Sexual Health visit the No Risks website.
If after all this, you are still GP shy, then make sure that you use the tools available to you, seek a bit of reassurance, and remember, whatever your issue, the GP will have seen it all before..
Take Care! x
Wednesday, 8 June 2011
Sex Is Safe If You Are Over 40..... ?
There seems to be a general assumption, that if you are over 40, then sex is safe, regardless of whether you use contraception or not right? Wrong.. It doesn't matter what age you are, everyone is at risk of STI's.
It is assumed that post-menopausal women are not included in the safe sex message, since the risk of pregnancy is not necessarily an issue, and most women in that age bracket are assumed to be either in a monogamous relationship, or fairly sexually inactive. However, with the divorce rate on the rise, many in this age range are starting out in new relationships and the majority who fall into this age bracket have had no previous sexual health education and are not proficient in the use of condoms. For more information on where to get condoms in Suffolk click here.
Generally advice on Sexual Health and STI's is aimed at the younger generation, but the message here is clear, no matter what your age, and previous education of Sexual Health, there is no need to be kept in the dark, information is available on all types of STI's and general Sexual Health on the No Risks website.
Let us know what you think of Sexual Health in the over 40's via our Twitter page.
It is assumed that post-menopausal women are not included in the safe sex message, since the risk of pregnancy is not necessarily an issue, and most women in that age bracket are assumed to be either in a monogamous relationship, or fairly sexually inactive. However, with the divorce rate on the rise, many in this age range are starting out in new relationships and the majority who fall into this age bracket have had no previous sexual health education and are not proficient in the use of condoms. For more information on where to get condoms in Suffolk click here.
Generally advice on Sexual Health and STI's is aimed at the younger generation, but the message here is clear, no matter what your age, and previous education of Sexual Health, there is no need to be kept in the dark, information is available on all types of STI's and general Sexual Health on the No Risks website.
Let us know what you think of Sexual Health in the over 40's via our Twitter page.
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
Childhood & Sex Education
Last night I heard on the radio that a school in Scotland had written to parents regarding a change in uniform regulation - fair enough - however, parents at the school were very concerned that the letter had alluded to the changes in uniform being due to "tight trousers" for boys and "short skirts" for girls attracting paedophiles. Hmmmm. Listen to the report here, 22 mins into the clip.
This comes after the latest series of "the Sex Education Show" on Channel 4, in which the presenter Anna Richardson started a new campaign: "stop pimping our kids!" For more info, click here. The problem is that many sex educators on Twitter (@DrPetra & SexEdUKation being a couple of them) were a bit cross about Anna Richardson's assumption that parents would buy these "sexualised" clothes or that these clothes, on an 8 year old girl were "sexualised" at all; also has it really got worse, were songs not just as explicit in the 70s? Let us know what you think (anonymously of course) here.
The other bit of controversy in the news regarding sexual health is that Life, a pro-life/anti-choice (depending on your particular point of view) charity that "care for mothers", has been given a place on the new government advisory panel for Sexual Health, read the guardian article here; lots of Sex Educators (and an opposition MP) have been saying that this will limit the advisory's ability to have a balanced view, as they will be advising on Sex Ed also (which may please Nadine Dorries). However, if Brook is also on the panel, is that not balanced enough? Some people are definitely saying no...Let us know what you think via our Twitter page (which I'm trying to bump up to 200 followers..!) to get in on the discussion (argument?)
Abortion is, however, definitely a controversial discussion point , which is why we're looking at redesigning our young people's page to contain more information & advice on this emotive topic. In the meantime, checkout Education For Choice, and our pregnancy page. And I know it sounds really obvious, but the only way to avoid unintended pregnancy is to use contraception; which everyone can get for free in the UK! For condoms in Suffolk, click here.
Thursday, 21 April 2011
Long Weekends
While looking for news pieces to share with you lovely lot this week, I've found this story from St. Helen's; apparently there is a small panic in the air that lots of people will be catching nasties whilst off having fun in the sun this weekend...Apparently the Royal Wedding may also fuel some romantic feeling in people next weekend! I'm uncertain whether people will really start falling in (and making) love like mad, just because the weather has improved, but just in case...
Whoever you're into, if you're having sex, you need to be safe. Use condoms to protect yourselves against STIs, some never go away, and some can be deadly (if you want the whole low-down, here it is). As we all know, you need to use contraception to stop unwanted pregnancies. If you live in Suffolk, UK, please click here for info on where to get your free condoms and here for advice on contraception. If you live elsewhere, please click here for help finding the services for you!
If you're a veteran user or provider of the Suffolk C-Card Scheme, you'll notice that the outlets listed on our website have changed - we've been working really hard over the past 6 months to ensure that all 13-19 year olds in Suffolk have easy access to free condoms. We now have an electronic system for logging people (users can still be anonymous, we just like to know how old they are!) to ensure that everyone is safe. We're now expanding this to be Level 1 Sexual Health Services (chlamydia testing, signposting, condom distribution and various other bits of advice to young people), so that young people have got more choices regarding where and how they want there sexual health services to be...Level 1 outlets will also shorten the distances that people from rural areas have to travel to reach their sexual health services. If you or your organisation works with young people in Suffolk and are interested in providing Sexual Health services (you don't have to be a clinician!) please click here to send us an email for more info. If you’re a young person living in Suffolk, you can email us suggestions of where you think services could be, or use teh comments bit of our feedback form. Either way you’ll be anonymous!
Enjoy the sunshine and remember to wear sunblock (and condoms, if necessary)!
xxx
Whoever you're into, if you're having sex, you need to be safe. Use condoms to protect yourselves against STIs, some never go away, and some can be deadly (if you want the whole low-down, here it is). As we all know, you need to use contraception to stop unwanted pregnancies. If you live in Suffolk, UK, please click here for info on where to get your free condoms and here for advice on contraception. If you live elsewhere, please click here for help finding the services for you!
If you're a veteran user or provider of the Suffolk C-Card Scheme, you'll notice that the outlets listed on our website have changed - we've been working really hard over the past 6 months to ensure that all 13-19 year olds in Suffolk have easy access to free condoms. We now have an electronic system for logging people (users can still be anonymous, we just like to know how old they are!) to ensure that everyone is safe. We're now expanding this to be Level 1 Sexual Health Services (chlamydia testing, signposting, condom distribution and various other bits of advice to young people), so that young people have got more choices regarding where and how they want there sexual health services to be...Level 1 outlets will also shorten the distances that people from rural areas have to travel to reach their sexual health services. If you or your organisation works with young people in Suffolk and are interested in providing Sexual Health services (you don't have to be a clinician!) please click here to send us an email for more info. If you’re a young person living in Suffolk, you can email us suggestions of where you think services could be, or use teh comments bit of our feedback form. Either way you’ll be anonymous!
Enjoy the sunshine and remember to wear sunblock (and condoms, if necessary)!
xxx
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
End of Year Panic
Closing down accounts, tying up loose ends, the office panic has almost set in...
However, No Risks has not yet run out of merchandise, so whenever we're out and about, there are sure to be some goodies available to you. We're also investigating what to buy next year with our merchandising budget, so if you do see us, ask us if we've got any samples, and let us know what you think of them. If in the meantime you ever have any feedback for us, either about our website, our outreach team, or the service you received at any sexual health service in Suffolk, please contact us either via email or our feedback page; we really appreciate you taking the time to let us know what you think, be it good or bad!
We're going out this week with Suffolk Youth Bus - Thursday & Friday evening. We'll be there to promote our site and call centre number. We'll also have chlamydia tests available for anyone between 16 & 24 who wants or needs a test (ideally, you should be getting screened annually if you are or have been sexually active). If you bring the tests straight back to us, we will have extra goodies in return for your efforts. We visited the Family Mosaic in Gt. Cornard last week, big thanks to Joy and Cheryle for having us - it was so nice to meet the young parents there!
C-Card Revamp is now well on the way, we've already met up with quite a few existing providers and have a few more meetings arranged to ensure that we're collecting information about the users of our service more securely and able to use the information more effectively. The C-Card scheme can still be anonymous, but we just want to make sure young people in Suffolk are safe.
Talking of Safety, who's been watching Eastenders, or Waterloo Road? The story lines in both these shows highlight the issues of grooming and keeping children safe. For any concerned parents or carers, we have a page about the law, internet safety, talking to your kids about sex...If you have any stories you'd like to share (anonymously of course), please get in touch via the methods above.
See you soon x
However, No Risks has not yet run out of merchandise, so whenever we're out and about, there are sure to be some goodies available to you. We're also investigating what to buy next year with our merchandising budget, so if you do see us, ask us if we've got any samples, and let us know what you think of them. If in the meantime you ever have any feedback for us, either about our website, our outreach team, or the service you received at any sexual health service in Suffolk, please contact us either via email or our feedback page; we really appreciate you taking the time to let us know what you think, be it good or bad!
We're going out this week with Suffolk Youth Bus - Thursday & Friday evening. We'll be there to promote our site and call centre number. We'll also have chlamydia tests available for anyone between 16 & 24 who wants or needs a test (ideally, you should be getting screened annually if you are or have been sexually active). If you bring the tests straight back to us, we will have extra goodies in return for your efforts. We visited the Family Mosaic in Gt. Cornard last week, big thanks to Joy and Cheryle for having us - it was so nice to meet the young parents there!
C-Card Revamp is now well on the way, we've already met up with quite a few existing providers and have a few more meetings arranged to ensure that we're collecting information about the users of our service more securely and able to use the information more effectively. The C-Card scheme can still be anonymous, but we just want to make sure young people in Suffolk are safe.
Talking of Safety, who's been watching Eastenders, or Waterloo Road? The story lines in both these shows highlight the issues of grooming and keeping children safe. For any concerned parents or carers, we have a page about the law, internet safety, talking to your kids about sex...If you have any stories you'd like to share (anonymously of course), please get in touch via the methods above.
See you soon x
Monday, 7 March 2011
The Mating Season...
For the first time in a long time, the sun is actually shining outside SIH's headquarters, and not only that, but it almost feels warm when one walks outside, so with all this warm weather must come new life, and new life comes from...to protect yourselves against unplanned pregnancies, check out our condom scheme (see below) or have a look into Long Acting Reversible Contraception with your doctor or nurse (or on our website).
We've finished our mad month of promotion (which does NOT mean we're going to go away). We visited a total of 10 locations in February, we spent a whole week at 4YP, launching the condom scheme (which was such a good experience for us). Remember guys, if you are one of the lucky few with the new key-fob C-Card, it is only for use at 4YP (Suffolk Young People's Health Project); everywhere else on the scheme will be upgrading to the new system soon. Please remember that you should always be using condoms for sex (whatever kind of sex!) to protect yourselves from STIs - condoms and oral dams are the ONLY method of protection against STIs, for more info on where to get your free condoms, click here. It was a fun month, but utterly exhausting, so we'll slow down for a few weeks now!
Having said that, we will be around, so if you see our stand (pictures of us on this blog from John West, who interviewed Ella for ICR on Friday!), and you want top know anything about the services available to, or have a query or comment to make, or are between 16 & 24 and want to do a chlamydia test, come and see us in confidence!
The other great thing about outreach work (aside from our "clients") is meeting people who run the charitable organisations, or youth projects, or wellbeing events. So thanks to all the great people we've met out & about over the last couple of months (sorry if I leave anyone out!) Out & About Trust, 4YP, Suffolk Human Libraries, Bury Rugby Club, CSV & ICR to name but a few...
We've finished our mad month of promotion (which does NOT mean we're going to go away). We visited a total of 10 locations in February, we spent a whole week at 4YP, launching the condom scheme (which was such a good experience for us). Remember guys, if you are one of the lucky few with the new key-fob C-Card, it is only for use at 4YP (Suffolk Young People's Health Project); everywhere else on the scheme will be upgrading to the new system soon. Please remember that you should always be using condoms for sex (whatever kind of sex!) to protect yourselves from STIs - condoms and oral dams are the ONLY method of protection against STIs, for more info on where to get your free condoms, click here. It was a fun month, but utterly exhausting, so we'll slow down for a few weeks now!
Having said that, we will be around, so if you see our stand (pictures of us on this blog from John West, who interviewed Ella for ICR on Friday!), and you want top know anything about the services available to, or have a query or comment to make, or are between 16 & 24 and want to do a chlamydia test, come and see us in confidence!
The other great thing about outreach work (aside from our "clients") is meeting people who run the charitable organisations, or youth projects, or wellbeing events. So thanks to all the great people we've met out & about over the last couple of months (sorry if I leave anyone out!) Out & About Trust, 4YP, Suffolk Human Libraries, Bury Rugby Club, CSV & ICR to name but a few...
Friday, 18 February 2011
Boxer Shorts & C-Card Scheme
Hello all -
So, a little update on the popularity of our boxer shorts - boys loved them (or maybe it was because we went into 2 mainly male environments)! Girls liked them...
We saw a few hundred young people over the last two weeks; all of whom consumed our Lovehearts (sweeties) with much gusto...but now, alas, we’re getting over the Valentine's theme and thinking more about spring (we can just about smell it in the air)...we're thinking, new life, buds on the trees etc etc, new start, so get tested - whatever your age, or relationship status, you should be regularly tested for STIs, so why not get down to your local GUM clinic and do so (click here for a list of clinics)? It may be a little scary, but getting tested is not like the horror stories you may have heard.
Next week is the all exciting, all important Health Week at 4YP (For Young People) in Ipswich Town Centre (see here for the leaflet), there'll be people from lots of different organisations, so whether you've got an issue with drugs or alcohol, need to talk to someone about housing, want to talk to us about sex, or just generally want to talk to someone who will listen, come in and see us...we'll be there all day every day over half term (10am - 5pm Monday 21st Feb - Friday 25th Feb)!
It would be really great to see you guys...we'll be happy to talk to anyone...if you're 19 or under, you'll be able to register for the condom scheme, to get you set up to receive free condoms from various locations all over Suffolk (being piloted at 4YP for now)!
Again, I ask, are there any groups you feel we're not reaching enough, or any issues you're unsure about? Please click this link to fill in our feedback form or email us to tell us what you'd like to see more of (or less of!) in Suffolk; or if you come and see us at 4YP and wanna tell us what you thought of us...do the same!
Looking forward to an exciting half term!!!
Take Care x
So, a little update on the popularity of our boxer shorts - boys loved them (or maybe it was because we went into 2 mainly male environments)! Girls liked them...
We saw a few hundred young people over the last two weeks; all of whom consumed our Lovehearts (sweeties) with much gusto...but now, alas, we’re getting over the Valentine's theme and thinking more about spring (we can just about smell it in the air)...we're thinking, new life, buds on the trees etc etc, new start, so get tested - whatever your age, or relationship status, you should be regularly tested for STIs, so why not get down to your local GUM clinic and do so (click here for a list of clinics)? It may be a little scary, but getting tested is not like the horror stories you may have heard.
Next week is the all exciting, all important Health Week at 4YP (For Young People) in Ipswich Town Centre (see here for the leaflet), there'll be people from lots of different organisations, so whether you've got an issue with drugs or alcohol, need to talk to someone about housing, want to talk to us about sex, or just generally want to talk to someone who will listen, come in and see us...we'll be there all day every day over half term (10am - 5pm Monday 21st Feb - Friday 25th Feb)!
It would be really great to see you guys...we'll be happy to talk to anyone...if you're 19 or under, you'll be able to register for the condom scheme, to get you set up to receive free condoms from various locations all over Suffolk (being piloted at 4YP for now)!
Again, I ask, are there any groups you feel we're not reaching enough, or any issues you're unsure about? Please click this link to fill in our feedback form or email us to tell us what you'd like to see more of (or less of!) in Suffolk; or if you come and see us at 4YP and wanna tell us what you thought of us...do the same!
Looking forward to an exciting half term!!!
Take Care x
Tuesday, 8 February 2011
Valentine's Day
Hello all,
Whether you're in a relationship or single, it's going to be impossible to ignore the Valentine's Day paraphernalia in the coming days. Although many people find this day depressing (and some may say it's over commercialised); we're going to try to use it for the advancement of safe sex (and of course to make people happy).
We've already been to West Suffolk College today, where we saw mainly young men - we were giving out boxer shorts that said "Cupid Ain't Stupid" in exchange for every completed Chlamydia test. Being mainly boys, the students were not as forthcoming as they usually are in mixed-sex groups...until there were 20 of them in one place; then they all wanted to do a test!
We've decorated our stand with a loved-up them (look at our Facebook Page to see what I mean!) We'll be giving away love hearts to everyone that comes to have a chat with us over the coming days - we're at Suffolk New College, Suffolk One, and University Campus Suffolk, during the week, and Bury Rugby Club on Saturday. We'll also be back at West Suffolk College next week for their wellbeing event.
We'll let you know how we get on - whether the boxer shorts are a hit (we have girls ones too) - in the meantime, if your educated or working at any of these establishments, please come and see us; no matter what your age we'll be happy to talk to you; you might be surprised at what is available to you!
Keep Safe x
Whether you're in a relationship or single, it's going to be impossible to ignore the Valentine's Day paraphernalia in the coming days. Although many people find this day depressing (and some may say it's over commercialised); we're going to try to use it for the advancement of safe sex (and of course to make people happy).
We've already been to West Suffolk College today, where we saw mainly young men - we were giving out boxer shorts that said "Cupid Ain't Stupid" in exchange for every completed Chlamydia test. Being mainly boys, the students were not as forthcoming as they usually are in mixed-sex groups...until there were 20 of them in one place; then they all wanted to do a test!
We've decorated our stand with a loved-up them (look at our Facebook Page to see what I mean!) We'll be giving away love hearts to everyone that comes to have a chat with us over the coming days - we're at Suffolk New College, Suffolk One, and University Campus Suffolk, during the week, and Bury Rugby Club on Saturday. We'll also be back at West Suffolk College next week for their wellbeing event.
We'll let you know how we get on - whether the boxer shorts are a hit (we have girls ones too) - in the meantime, if your educated or working at any of these establishments, please come and see us; no matter what your age we'll be happy to talk to you; you might be surprised at what is available to you!
Keep Safe x
Monday, 24 January 2011
A little update...
Happy January One and All??
It's well-known that January is the most depressing month of all...no money, excess (Christmas) weight, cold, rain and sometimes snow all add up to make people miserable. Have a look here at Bish Training’s take on making ourselves feel better - feeling rubbish is not an option; why do we always put downers on ourselves? Is it body image? Or just self modesty? Have a look here at a survey Channel 4 are doing in partnership with the Centre for Appearance Research, if people have been answering honestly, the results show a pretty dim view of people's opinions of themselves... Channel 4's program "Beauty and the Beast: the Ugly Face of Prejudice" will hopefully shed some light on it. Have a watch, and let us know what you guys thought, via the channels mentioned below. Also, let us know how important you think body image is...beauty is only skin deep, right?
"The Joy of Teen Sex" also on Channel 4, aired its first show last Wednesday, to the horror of many sex educators, who thought it was over sensationalist...but what did young people think of it? No-one has yet got back to us on this one...in the meantime have a look at Dr. Petra's blog on the subject...we would love to hear from you (whether you are an educator, clinician or a young person - aged between 16 & 25 - C4's target audience) via our usual pages (Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, or our website), or you can comment below!
We were in 3 colleges last week, West Suffolk, University Campus Suffolk & Suffolk One, and we had an amazing response! Thanks to everyone that came to see us, and for those of you who did a chlamydia test, we hope you enjoy your incentives. Suffolk One, as it is a new college, hadn't been visited before, and as you'll see from our photos on Facebook, our presence created a flurry of interest! For those of you that are due a test (if you're aged between 16 & 24, haven't had a test within the past year, or have changed partners since your last test), please note that we will be at Suffolk New College on Wednesday, and after that we'll be all over the county at schools, colleges, universities, sports clubs and community events - tell us where you'd like to see us...we'd really appreciate your feedback; if there are any areas of the county or any particular groups we're not reaching, let us know. If you think you should be tested, but haven't been visit www.amiclear.com to get one posted to you; or if you're out of the target age range visit your local Sexual Health clinics (for info visit our website). We'll also be at Cineworld in Ipswich on Wednesday evening and Haverhill on Friday evening (info only - no testing will be taking place).
We'll be at Suffolk Youth Parliament on Friday - again any feedback that any attendees have about Sexual Health services and awareness in Suffolk will be great to hear!
Last but not least - we liked this video - it's from the FPA in Ireland, regarding the millennium development goals, and how a lack of access to Reproductive Health facilities (contraception etc.) can actually kill people in developing countries...
It's well-known that January is the most depressing month of all...no money, excess (Christmas) weight, cold, rain and sometimes snow all add up to make people miserable. Have a look here at Bish Training’s take on making ourselves feel better - feeling rubbish is not an option; why do we always put downers on ourselves? Is it body image? Or just self modesty? Have a look here at a survey Channel 4 are doing in partnership with the Centre for Appearance Research, if people have been answering honestly, the results show a pretty dim view of people's opinions of themselves... Channel 4's program "Beauty and the Beast: the Ugly Face of Prejudice" will hopefully shed some light on it. Have a watch, and let us know what you guys thought, via the channels mentioned below. Also, let us know how important you think body image is...beauty is only skin deep, right?
"The Joy of Teen Sex" also on Channel 4, aired its first show last Wednesday, to the horror of many sex educators, who thought it was over sensationalist...but what did young people think of it? No-one has yet got back to us on this one...in the meantime have a look at Dr. Petra's blog on the subject...we would love to hear from you (whether you are an educator, clinician or a young person - aged between 16 & 25 - C4's target audience) via our usual pages (Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, or our website), or you can comment below!
We were in 3 colleges last week, West Suffolk, University Campus Suffolk & Suffolk One, and we had an amazing response! Thanks to everyone that came to see us, and for those of you who did a chlamydia test, we hope you enjoy your incentives. Suffolk One, as it is a new college, hadn't been visited before, and as you'll see from our photos on Facebook, our presence created a flurry of interest! For those of you that are due a test (if you're aged between 16 & 24, haven't had a test within the past year, or have changed partners since your last test), please note that we will be at Suffolk New College on Wednesday, and after that we'll be all over the county at schools, colleges, universities, sports clubs and community events - tell us where you'd like to see us...we'd really appreciate your feedback; if there are any areas of the county or any particular groups we're not reaching, let us know. If you think you should be tested, but haven't been visit www.amiclear.com to get one posted to you; or if you're out of the target age range visit your local Sexual Health clinics (for info visit our website). We'll also be at Cineworld in Ipswich on Wednesday evening and Haverhill on Friday evening (info only - no testing will be taking place).
We'll be at Suffolk Youth Parliament on Friday - again any feedback that any attendees have about Sexual Health services and awareness in Suffolk will be great to hear!
Last but not least - we liked this video - it's from the FPA in Ireland, regarding the millennium development goals, and how a lack of access to Reproductive Health facilities (contraception etc.) can actually kill people in developing countries...
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
Weekly Update
So this week, we've been to West Suffolk College to spend a day with young people in West Suffolk. There was an excellent response to us being there with lots of people now more in the know about the clinic at the college and the existence of No Risks!
We unfortunately all missed this program: Panorama - Too Much, Too Young but plan to watch it on iPlayer. If you've already seen it, let us know what you thought, or if you've got some spare time, why don't you watch it and join in the discussion?
Just so you know, Thursday 13th Jan & Friday 14th Jan, we will be in Ipswich Town Centre (Tower Ramparts, outside Topshop), to talk to people. Whatever your age, sex, or preferences, come and talk to us! If you’re aged between 16 & 24, and haven't had a chlamydia test this year, or have recently changed partners, we will be able to give you a postal chlamydia kit to take home. We will be giving away £5 vouchers for Arcadia stores (Topshop, Burton etc.) in exchange for each returned test. They really are not scary, as non-invasive as possible, and you'll be sure that you're clear.
If you can't get to Tower Ramparts this week, visit the Chlamydia Team's Website to get your annual test sent to you. Or you can text "KIT" to 84010 with your name address and age to get one sent to you. So really, there's no excuse to not have a test! Approximately 1 in 12 young people (aged between 16 & 25) have chlamydia, get the test to make sure you're not one of them; it's the responsible thing to do!
Remember if you've ever got any concerns you should always see a doctor or nurse. If you live in Suffolk, please call 0300 123 3650 to find out about clinic times and/or to book an appointment.
Also, in a follow up to our post last week, who saw the program on HPV on BBC Three, Monday night? Girls, does the risk of giving HPV to boys encourage you to have the jab? Boys, do you think you should be getting the jab? Is this completely unfair on gay and bi men? Let us know what you think, either by commenting below, or emailing us at no_risks@harmoni.co.uk; if you want to remain anonymous, we will post replies on here without any names!
We unfortunately all missed this program: Panorama - Too Much, Too Young but plan to watch it on iPlayer. If you've already seen it, let us know what you thought, or if you've got some spare time, why don't you watch it and join in the discussion?
Just so you know, Thursday 13th Jan & Friday 14th Jan, we will be in Ipswich Town Centre (Tower Ramparts, outside Topshop), to talk to people. Whatever your age, sex, or preferences, come and talk to us! If you’re aged between 16 & 24, and haven't had a chlamydia test this year, or have recently changed partners, we will be able to give you a postal chlamydia kit to take home. We will be giving away £5 vouchers for Arcadia stores (Topshop, Burton etc.) in exchange for each returned test. They really are not scary, as non-invasive as possible, and you'll be sure that you're clear.
If you can't get to Tower Ramparts this week, visit the Chlamydia Team's Website to get your annual test sent to you. Or you can text "KIT" to 84010 with your name address and age to get one sent to you. So really, there's no excuse to not have a test! Approximately 1 in 12 young people (aged between 16 & 25) have chlamydia, get the test to make sure you're not one of them; it's the responsible thing to do!
Remember if you've ever got any concerns you should always see a doctor or nurse. If you live in Suffolk, please call 0300 123 3650 to find out about clinic times and/or to book an appointment.
Also, in a follow up to our post last week, who saw the program on HPV on BBC Three, Monday night? Girls, does the risk of giving HPV to boys encourage you to have the jab? Boys, do you think you should be getting the jab? Is this completely unfair on gay and bi men? Let us know what you think, either by commenting below, or emailing us at no_risks@harmoni.co.uk; if you want to remain anonymous, we will post replies on here without any names!
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
Oral Sex
Next week, 11th January, BBC Three will be showing a programme, presented by Jaime Winston, about whether or not giving oral sex is safe. For more information please see here. According to the programme, giving oral sex can cause cancer of the mouth. Is the BBC sensationalising a minimal risk? Or is it something we should all be aware of? And why aren't young men receiving the jab?
Here's the latest news from NHS Direct regarding this issue.
And, as you should all know, you can get free barrier contraception, this includes oral dams, not just condoms; these can be worn by men and women to protect themselves whilst giving oral sex, many STIs are contractible via oral sex, so it is always better to be safe than sorry! In Suffolk, young people will soon be able to obtain a swipe card to exchange for condoms. For now, visit the No Risks' website if you live in Suffolk, or search the web for your local sexual health services. NHS Choices also have a directory of Sexual Health services here.
Here's the latest news from NHS Direct regarding this issue.
And, as you should all know, you can get free barrier contraception, this includes oral dams, not just condoms; these can be worn by men and women to protect themselves whilst giving oral sex, many STIs are contractible via oral sex, so it is always better to be safe than sorry! In Suffolk, young people will soon be able to obtain a swipe card to exchange for condoms. For now, visit the No Risks' website if you live in Suffolk, or search the web for your local sexual health services. NHS Choices also have a directory of Sexual Health services here.
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