Giant condom on patrol in Rotherham

CHRISTMAS shoppers were confronted by a giant walking condom who was in town to spread the safe sex message as part of a week-long initiative.

This week has been Rotherham Sexual Health Week and staff from NHS Rotherham, along with the giant condom and a team of volunteers, visited All Saints Square on Monday to offer free chlamydia screening and free condoms.

Keri Duffy from the sexual health team said: "At Christmas time in particular there is a national increase in the number of unwanted teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

"That is why we are holding our annual Sexual Health Week in December to highlight safe sex.

"Anyone who is sexually active can catch an STI, regardless of their age, gender or sexuality.

"Lots of infections don't show symptoms straightaway so we are advising anyone who has had unprotected sex to get themselves tested."

Staff from the Genito Urinary Medicine (GUM) department from Rotherham General Hospital and the Contraception and Sexual Health (CASH) Clinics from the Rotherham Community Health Centre also attended Monday's roadshow.

They were joined by representatives from the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) and SHIELD HIV Support Group.

The sexual health team and giant condom will visit Parkgate Shopping on Saturday between 11am and 4pm.

For more information visit www.s-wordrotherham.co.uk.