https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yobUvl_u85U

Our fresh faced Hackney Youth Parliament has completed their first exciting campaign, on a topic we are all familiar with, but should maybe be more concerned about…

‘Infected Connection’ is a short film about how important it is to make smart choices even in the heat of the moment. Our Parliament has explored the concept of actions and consequences, and how easy it can be to change, or in this case prevent, a situation through one informed decision.

Shocking statistic

After participating in a consultation with Public Health in Hackney, our Parliament learnt some shocking statistics about our borough – Hackney has some of the highest rates of sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) in the country.  This is partly because a lot more young people are being tested for STIs – which is good to hear, because it’s much better to know you have an STI and get it treated than live in ignorance and run the risk of damaging your health in the long-term.  Still, a lot of people aren’t using protection, and that needs to change.

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Young people in Hackney have the highest rate of Chlamydia in the country. Among Hackney’s 15 to 24 age group, Chlamydia was detected in 4,270 residents per 100,000 population.

(Source: Public Health England)

With this in mind our Parliament made a collective decision to highlight this issue and make it the topic of their first campaign. The purpose of the film is to encourage young people to make safe choices and, if they’re worried they may have an STI, to get tested!

We want young people to know it’s possible to enjoy themselves and stay safe at the same time.

Getting in touch with CHYPS+

If you’re worried about your health, you can attend a drop-in session at the CHYPS+ centre in Homerton, or ask Young Hackney hubs about drop-in health sessions at the hubs. If you’re aged 24 or under you can also receive free condoms as part of the Come Correct C-card scheme. If you’re over 16 you can register straight away online, otherwise you need to register in person – ask a Young Hackney member of staff how to do this.