Date Published:
20 February 2008 |
Terrence Higgins Trust launches new Code of Good Practice for saunas and other venues where sex between men might occur (THT)
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The Terence Higgins Trust
(THT) is a UK charity that provides advice and support
about HIV and sexual health more generally. THT has a lot
of experience of working
with all
kinds
of young people. Visit their website for advice about safe
sex and sexual health.
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Leading HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is working
with a range of organisations to launch a new code of good practice today
for gay venues in London and Brighton. Play Zone: Code of Good Practice is
funded through a national HIV prevention programme, and aims to create a
safer environment for customers and staff by ensuring that sexual health,
hygiene and health and safety standards are being met.
The code is aimed at saunas and other venues such as bars and clubs where
sex between men might occur. It’s hoped that the code will also raise
awareness around sexual health and help to reduce the number of new STI
and HIV infections.
Venues in London and Brighton have been invited to voluntarily participate
in the code. By participating in the scheme, owners, promoters and managers
give a clear message that they recognise the importance of providing a safe,
clean environment for customers and staff.
All venues and staff receive a manual to guide them through the process.
In addition to the pack, free training is also available for venue staff
on HIV, sexual health, PEP, drug and alcohol awareness and first aid. Venues
that have successfully met the standards set out in the code have received
Play Zone branding and certificates to display – making it easier
for customers to identify a venue participating in the scheme.
The principles laid out within the Code include setting minimum standards
in:
- Condom and lubricant distribution and access
- Ensuring that information
on sexual health is available
- Staff training on sexual health, HIV, Post
Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and drug and alcohol awareness
- Staff vaccinations
for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and tetanus
- Health and safety training
- First aid training
- Lighting at venues
- Cleaning of venues
Rod Watson, Head of Health Promotion at Terrence Higgins Trust said:
“ A
number of venues have participated so far, and we hope that more will follow.
By participating in the code venues give a clear message to staff and customers
that they are committed to high standards. For customers, they’ll be
able to visibly see which venues take their health and safety seriously because
successful venues will display the Play Zone logo inside and out.”
For more information on Play Zone: Code of Good Practice call 020 7812 1600
or visit www.tht.org.uk/playzone .
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but not to endorse
any particular
view or activity. The views stated in the article above are not
necessarily those of IvyRose Ltd.. Material in this news item was released
by
the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) on 20 February 2008 and may have
been edited (e.g. in style, length, and/or for ease
of understanding
by our international readers) for inclusion here. For further information,
please visit their website (link below).
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