Statistics from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in November 2007 showed that in the UK, there were 376,508 diagnoses of new STIs in 2006, and those aged 16 to 24 accounted for the majority of new cases.
Fiona Dawe, Chief Exec of YouthNet, says: “Sexual health is the second most popular discussion topic on TheSite.org, and through our discussion boards and askTheSite service, we know there is a lot of uncertainty about what sexual health screening involves.”
“With the virtual tour you can see what’s behind the doors of a GUM clinic, hopefully dispelling the myths surrounding sexual health testing and encouraging more to get tested.“
The virtual tour, filmed at the John Hunter Clinic at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London, features interviews with sexual health nurses and covers what to expect from a visit. It is also accompanied by a searchable database of UK clinics.
To view the GUM virtual tour, the first in a series of videos to be hosted on TheSite.org visit the link at the bottom of this page.
“People learn in different ways,” adds Fiona, “So by offering this kind of video content, in addition to our text, audio and mobile services, people can use resources most relevant to their situation, hopefully giving the message a wider reach.”
TheSite.org receives over 15,000 unique visitors a month on its safer sex advice section alone, and every month more than 100 sexual health questions are asked on TheSite.org’s online advice service, askTheSite. TheSite.org also provides online support and advice for young people on health, drugs, home, law, money, work, relationships, study, travel and free time.
So, here is a link to TheSite’s homepage. Go to the Audio and Video tab at the top. Before you click, check the volume though and clear the room. Some things are private.
