Date Published:
14 April 2009 |
THT and regional partners aim to roll out Play Zone nationally
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.
After a successful pilot in London and Brighton, Terrence Higgins Trust (THT)
is working with a range of regional HIV and sexual health organisations to launch
Play Zone across England and Wales. Play
Zone is a code of good practice which aims to create a safer environment
in venues where sex between men might occur.
Play Zone: Code of Good Practice is funded through
the national HIV prevention programme. Venues which sign up to the Code pledge
to ensure that sexual health, hygiene and health and safety standards are being
met. The Code also aims to raise awareness around sexual health and help to
reduce the number of new STI and HIV infections. Saunas and other venues voluntarily
participate in the Code giving a clear message that they recognise the importance
of providing a safe, clean environment for customers and staff. The scheme was
developed in partnership with a number of organisations including the Department
of Health, the Health Protection Agency and the Police.
THT is working with local HIV and sexual health organisations in Leicester,
Nottingham, Manchester, Birmingham, Coventry, Sheffield, Cardiff, Liverpool
and Newcastle. The local charities will liaise with venue owners in their area
to encourage them to sign up. Doing so allows them to show a commitment to the
sexual health of their customers and the wider gay community, to gain a nationally
recognised seal of good practice and to partner with similar venues throughout
the country on improving sexual health.
All venues and staff receive a manual to guide them through the process and
free training is available for venue staff on HIV, sexual health, PEP, drug
and alcohol awareness and first aid. Venues that meet the standards set out
in the Code receive 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
Marc Thompson, Head of Health Promotion at Terrence Higgins Trust said:
“We’re really pleased to be working with other HIV organisations
across England to roll out Play Zone nationally. If men are
having sex in these venues, we want them to be doing it as safely as possible.
Venues that participate in Play Zone give a clear message to customers that
condoms will be available and sexual health is taken seriously.”
News is included on the IvyRose website to inform visitors
about current health issues, but not to endorse any particular view or activity.
Any views expressed 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 14 April 2009
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.
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