Dangers of mixing sex and alcohol highlighted

That’s the question local students were asked to highlight the issue of sexual health.

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust, in partnership with 20 pharmacies, Northern Regional College (NRC), Loughrey and Greenmount Colleges are promoting the message: ‘Be Aware, Be Responsible, Be Safe’.

Janice Armstrong, Senior Health Promotion Officer (Sexual Health) says: “Young people need to be aware of the link between alcohol and sexual behaviour.

“Research by the Family Planning Association in Northern Ireland shows that more than 40% of young women and nearly 35% of young men said they were drunk when they first had sex.”

She added that approximately one in four young people questioned admitted they failed to use contraception when they first had intercourse, because they were drunk.

“We need to help young people who are vulnerable to the risks of alcohol and resulting sexual activity. This project acknowledges a danger many pretend doesn’t exist or believe won’t happen to them,” said Janice.