Sexual health campaign rolls out to York

Get tested – only then can you say #YorClear, is the message that will be promoted to students in York on Thursday as an innovative awareness campaign is rolled out to York.   

York has a large student population and statistics for York and North Yorkshire show that 1 in 12 people aged under 25 test positive for Chlamydia.

The problem is being tackled by Yorscreen, North Yorkshire’s Chlamydia Screening Service, who are re-launching their innovative awareness campaign at York University on Thursday.

The campaign uses Instagram, a popular photo social media channel, where users can post pictures online. The #YorClear campaign was first launched in Scarborough – a Chlamydia hotspot – last summer with impressive results.

Using the hashtag #YorClear, people are being asked to take a test and join a picture wall of others who have done the same.

Liz Hare, Chlamydia Screening Programme Co-ordinator, said: “We want to promote the message that everybody should be getting tested. Chlamydia can be invisible – so you can’t tell from looking at someone if they have it.

“Via Instagram young people can use social media to add their face and support to the campaign using technology they are familiar and comfortable with.

“The campaign was extremely successful in Scarborough resulting in a 30 percent increase in the uptake of Chlamydia screening.”

Peter Quinn, Director, Student Support Services at York University, said: "The University welcomes Yorsexualhealth's ongoing work with all our students to enable them to have a happy and healthy time both recreationally and in their academic studies.”

The Street Team will also be taking their photo booth to Ripon on Friday 21 February and Knaresborough on Saturday 22 February. Both towns have a higher than average incidence of Chlamydia, with 1 in 10 testing positive.

For more information about Chlamydia Screening and Sexual Health Services in North Yorkshire visit www.yorsexualhealth.co.uk

How to get tested for Chlamydia:
• If you are under 25 and live in North Yorkshire, you can be tested through the chlamydia screening programme (Yorscreen).
• The test is very simple and you will not need to be examined. You can either pee in a pot or women can use a self taken vaginal swab. All tests are free!
• There are many places in North Yorkshire where you can collect a testing kit. Call the central office on 01904 725440 to find out where your local test sites are, or ask your doctor, nurse or youth worker for help.
• Yorscreen postal tests - for under 25 year olds – If you would like to do a test at home text 'TEST' to 80010, followed by your name, address and age to request a postal pack. If you are under 16, you can still get tested, but it's important to speak with a nurse, doctor or youth worker first.

20 February 2014