Rapper will help promote safe sex message in Bradford (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Rapper will help promote safe sex message in Bradford

9:00am Monday 17th September 2012 in News Exclusive By Claire Lomax

Some of the most vulnerable young people in the Bradford district will get the chance to work with a rapper to write lyrics that promote positive relationships and safe sex.

The event, at the Bingley Youth Cafe, is one of many planned for sexual health week, from September 17 to 23, which will focus on the importance of practicing safe and pressure-free sex within the context of positive relationships.

Marcus Lee, rapper and workshop facilitator from Pipeline Productions, will teach rhyme, rhythm, song structure and performance techniques, with the aim of creating a safe sex rap at the session, which is organised in conjunction with Bradford Youth Service and will also include speakers and quizzes.

Pupils from upper schools in areas most affected by sexual health issues – Tong , Little Horton , Bowling, Wibsey , Keighley , Thornton , Great Horton , Eccleshill , Shipley and Odsal – will enter a poster competition. Along with teenagers from youth centres throughout Bradford, they will be asked to devise a message about positive relationships. The winner will become the poster for the district’s sexual health campaign over Christmas.

“The aim of these activities is get young people thinking about relationships in a way that engages them,” said Nicola Corrigan from the Bradford and Airedale Sexual Health team.

“Although we’re focusing positively on relationships, rather than the consequences of unsafe sex, unplanned pregnancies and STIs haven’t gone away. This is to remind people to get checked regularly and to use services and contraception.

“The big message is that if you are going to have a relationship with someone, look after yourself and practice safe sex, but only do it when you’re ready and happy to be doing it. The most important qualities in a relationship are to be able to trust each other and feel comfortable together.”

Sexual health week will also see speakers visiting schools to talk to sixth-formers. Teenagers will recount experiences of falling pregnant while at school, becoming parents and returning to education and work. Pupils will be visited by a speaker with HIV.

The competition closes at the end of October and the winner will be launched on World Aids Day, on December 1. For information go to: bash.nhs.uk/ or call the sexual health team on (01274) 200024.

Young people can visit sexual health clinics at the Culture Fusion Building, 125 Thornton Road, Bradford, BD1 2EP.