Following the success of the first STI TESTING WEEK in summer 2015, Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) are preparing for the second STI TESTING WEEK to come to Brighton and Hove.
Starting on Monday, July 4 for seven days, BRIGHTON AND HOVE STI TESTING WEEK promotes and encourages the importance of regular testing for sexual transmitted diseases (STIs) including chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
STIs are easy to catch, but equally so to test and treat. It’s never been easier and faster to have a free and confidential STI test, you can do yourself. Regular testing, especially after each sexual partner, could greatly improve your sexual health; most STIs are easily and effectively treated with a short course of medication, usually antibiotics.
In 2014, Brighton and Hove had a syphilis diagnosis rate eight times the England average according to Public Health England. STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis, can be easily passed on through sexual contact including oral sex, and you may not always realise you are infected as STIs can be symptomless. Gay and bisexual men, black Africans and young people are at highest risk of STIs
Through STI testing week, THT, the UKs leading HIV and sexual health charity, will be delivering ‘pop-up’ STI testing, with residents able to get tested in locations across the city, including bars, clubs, community centres as well as R-Bar, Charles Street, Legends, Subline and the Brighton Sauna and the Boiler Room Sauna in Hove.
THT’s Brighton centre, at 61 Ship Street, will be open weekdays between 10am till 8pm during BRIGHTON & HOVE STI TESTING WEEK.
For further details and times of THT’s BRIGHTON & HOVE STI TESTING WEEK ‘pop up’ STI testing week locations. click here:
Tom Boyt, Senior Engagement Officer at Terrence Higgins Trust in Brighton said: “Last years BRIGHTON AND HOVE STI TESTING WEEK was a fantastic success, not only in promoting just how easy it is to take an STI test and that they are free to everyone but also highlighting the greater availability of STI testing locations city-wide, whether that be clinics, including the THT office, community venues right through to bars and clubs where STI tests can be easily completed. Last year, 10% of those people who were tested during our ‘pop up shops’ were found to have an STI, which again highlights the importance to test regularly.
BRIGHTON AND HOVE STI TESTING WEEK is back and this year it’s bigger!
“STI testing is quick, easy and painless and there is no need to book an appointment. After your test your confidential results will be sent to you by text message, and whatever the result, Terrence Higgins Trust provides advice, support and information to help you look after your sexual health.”
“Testing Week not only aims to increase testing for those at greater risk of STIs but also increases knowledge on how to prevent onward transmission, what symptoms to look out for and make people aware that you can have, and pass on, an infection even without any symptoms.”
BRIGHTON & HOVE STI TESTING WEEK takes place from Monday, July 4 to Sunday 10 across Brighton and Hove.
