UK---News---SAFE SEX ADVICE WEBSITE RECEIVES RECORD NUMBER OF HITS

The number of people from Bath and north east Somerset who visited a website for advice on contraception rose dramatically on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Throughout November, around 23 people from the area logged on to www.ccardfreecondoms.co.uk each day, but on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, around 40 people sought advice on the site.

Now Bath and North East Somerset Primary Care Trust is reminding young people not to put their sexual health in danger over the new year celebrations.

The trust is advising revellers to stay safe, plan ahead and avoid risky behaviour.

Across the country, rates for sexually transmitted infections are rising, and the UK has the highest teenage pregnancy rates in western Europe.

This year young people have been encouraged to find out more about sexual health by logging on to the site, which says what services are available locally, and when.

The site also includes information about c cards - free condom vouchers handed out after a young person has had a discussion about using condoms with a health professional such as a school nurse or their youth worker.

December saw the highest number of hits to the website since it was launched nearly a year ago.

"Young people need to be encouraged to think ahead about contraception and safer sex," said Zoe Clifford, senior health promotion specialist for Bath and North East Somerset PCT.

"The message is clear - plan ahead.

"There's a real need for easy-to-access information on where to go for sexual health advice, contraception and emergency contraception.

"Young people are twice as likely to have unprotected sex whilst under the influence of alcohol than when they are sober.

"Many young people will automatically use the internet to find out information, and it seems that the site is a really good way of informing people of the safer sex message, and letting them know where will be open over the holiday period."

The site contains information on where to go over the new year for emergency contraception.

The Bath NHS Walk-in Centre is open every day over the holidays, and offers emergency contraception and pregnancy testing.

The Contraceptive and Sexual Health Young People's Walk-in Clinic at the new Riverside Health Centre on James Street West is open today from 11am-1pm.

It offers free condoms as well as emergency contraception, pregnancy testing, and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections.

If people do not have access to the internet, they can find out more by calling 831593.