Sexual health clinic launches in North West London

The service encourages young people to take control of their sexual health by providing a friendly, welcoming space offering a range of sexual and reproductive health services, including simple tests for Chlamydia, HIV and other STIs.

Increasingly worrying statistics revealed that in 2007, those in the 16-24 age bracket accounted for nearly half of all STIs in the UK. Approximately one in ten under 25s in the UK currently has Chlamydia without being aware that they have it. Part of the reason Chlamydia is so widespread is that most people with the infection have no symptoms; it only takes one sexual encounter to pass it on. If left untreated Chlamydia can lead to serious health problems, including infertility.

The Chlamydia test offered by P3 and THT’s Fast Test clinic involves taking a urine sample which is then posted off to the lab; results are available within a week. For those who test positive, Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) will provide antibiotics to treat the infection free of charge. HIV tests can be taken using a finger-prick blood test, and the results provided within an hour. The clinic also offers information and advice on STIs and safer sex to young people, as well as giving out free condoms, the contraceptive pill and contraceptive injection.

P3’s youth workers provide a wide range of support, advice and information on a variety of youth services.

Adam Wilkinson, London Operations Manager for THT said: "As far as good sexual health is concerned, going for regular check-ups is just as important as using condoms. We know that a lot of young people feel nervous about visiting sexual health services, which is why we’ve made the whole process at our Fast Test clinic at P3's Kilburn Youth Centre as quick and easy as possible. Sessions are free, with no need for an appointment, and so we hope young people in the area will be encouraged to come along and take control of their sexual health."

The Fast Test service takes place at P3’s Kilburn Youth Centre, 12-22 Kilburn High Road, London, NW6 5UH.
Sessions take place every Saturday between 12.00pm and 3.00pm. For further information, please contact THT on 0845 12 21 200 or P3’s Kilburn Youth Centre on 0207 328 7172.

For the press release related to this article, click here.
For press release enquiries please contact Luka Winterborne on 01895 462026, Out of hours – 07984 147511, email – luka.winterborne@p3charity.org