Christmas campaign!
Teenagers in Bristol are being reminded about how they can keep themselves safe this Christmas, in a new campaign launched by Bristol City Council, NHS Bristol and Connexions West of England.
The aim is to reduce the risk to young people in the city of unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections and accidents due to alcohol or other drug misuse over the festive season. The campaign also promotes activities that are available through the holidays and support services that teenagers can use in the city.
Department of Health research shows that conceptions among teenagers peak during December and January, and as many as one in five young people have had sex they later regretted after drinking alcohol.
A campaign, including radio adverts with Kiss FM, an advice ‘Christmas card’ with information on local services, self-defence sessions for young women, and advice teams, including Brook workers, meeting young people at under-18 club nights have been developed with the help of local young people.
Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Clare Campion-Smith, said: “Young people are more likely to have unprotected sex when they are under the influence of drink and drugs and we know that binge drinking increases their risk of having accidents. This campaign aims to arm young people in Bristol with the knowledge they need to make the most of this party season, while staying safe.”
Anne Colquhoun, Teenage Pregnancy Strategy Co-ordinator, NHS Bristol, said: “We worked with young people to get the message right. They were very clear that they wanted useful information and top tips to them keep safe. We want young people to enjoy themselves this Christmas and to make sure that if they are planning to have sex they have really thought about it and got their contraception sorted.”
Geraldine Smyth, Senior Health Promotion Specialist-Substance Misuse, NHS Bristol said: “We know that some young people use alcohol and other drugs in risky ways that have both immediate and longer term effects on their health and wellbeing. It is important that they understand how that they can reduce these risks and keep safer, especially over the party season, when there is lots of extra temptation around. It’s also important that they know where they can go for help and support when needed.”
Advice and help for young people is available at:
www.4ypbristol.co.uk on sexual health
www.openingdoorsbristol.org.uk on alcohol and drugs
www.goplacesdothings.org.uk for things to do
www.connexionswest.org.uk for guidance on future plans
