April news

Score in blue like Pompey do

The battle against sex diseases has taken on a blue twist in honour of Pompey’s Wembley semi-final this weekend.

Health workers are encouraging people to 'be like Pompey and score in Blue', by giving away blueberry flavoured condoms in Guildhall Square this Friday 4 April.

Portsmouth City Teaching (PCT) staff dressed for Blue Day will be raising awareness of the host of STIs (sexually transmitted infections) that could be enough to dampen any fan’s passion and raising money for the Tom Prince Cancer Research Fund at the same time. They will be joined by Portsmouth City Council’s Health Improvement and Development Service (HIDS) who will be promoting sources of advice for young people on sex and relationships.

The fun kicks off at 12:30pm when football fans who make a small donation will have a chance to show off their penalty taking skills. Those who hit the back of the net will receive a free blueberry condom ready for the next time they score.

Passers by will also be able to try a lucky dip and find out why condoms are essential wear for any sexual encounter.

“We want people to be aware of the common infections they risk picking up if they don’t use a condom every time they have sex. These diseases could give them some unpleasant symptoms by the following weekend, or they may lie silently and affect their long term fertility,” said Dawn Saunders, Consultant in Public Health for Portsmouth City PCT.

Charlotte Bemand, the city council’s Adolescent Health Manager, said: "It’s really important that young people have the information they need to make informed choices about their health and wellbeing. We will be supporting Blue Day by raising awareness of some of the sources of help and advice for young people, so they can stay safe and healthy while enjoying being young." 

The services are promoting the city’s own Are you Sorted? website www.areyousorted.co.uk

Date : 02 April 2008