Sexual health checks for Cumbria music festival-goers
News & Star, 25 July 2011
This event has now been held
Glow-in-the-dark condoms will be given to young festival-goers checked for chlamydia in Cumbria.
Luxury loos will be in place at Kendal Calling where people will be able to get checked for the most common sexually-transmitted infection affecting 15 to 24 year-olds.
Health chiefs hope they will help break taboos surrounding chlamydia.
Music fans will be able to go into the loos for a confidential urine test that will reveal whether they have the sometimes symptomless condition.
It is the second year that NHS Cumbria has joined forces with the organisers of Kendal Calling, which will be held at Lowther Estate, near Penrith, this coming weekend.
Jane Muller, Cumbria's associate director of public health, said: "Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in young people and it's so easy to treat.
"It is so common because it can often be symptomless. That's why we need to make it as easy as possible for young people to get tested.
"An event like this is the perfect opportunity to have a chat with young people and break down that embarrassment which can still exist in more formal locations,” added Ms Muller.
Last year, more than 750 young people were tested for the condition at Kendal Calling.
Those tested this time around will be give festival freebies, including key rings, sugar-free lollipops and glow-in-the-dark condoms.
Every young person who takes a test will also be entered into a prize draw to win £100 worth of high street shopping vouchers.
Other sexual health advice will also be available.
Kendal Calling organiser Ben Robinson believes they have a duty of care to offer discreet services.
He added: "Chlamydia is a huge health issue for young people across the UK.
"By working with NHS Cumbria we hope to offer people fun rewards for peeing in a pot and getting piece of mind at the same time without any added embarrassment.”
Young people aged 16 to 24 can also request a free and discreet postal kit by texting BEST to 82540 or by visiting http://www.best2know.co.uk/
This year's festival line-up includes headline acts The Cribs and Blondie
