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TIC TAC talks on hold after breakdown
National Condom Week begins today (May
12th) but local plans for it have been hit at the eleventh hour.
The Wigan Council Teenage Pregnancy Team was going to take the TIC TAC
bus on a tour across the borough throughout this week. However, those
plans have been dashed after the bus broke down late last week.
Teenage Pregnancy C-Card Co-ordinator Lisa Ball said: “The breakdown
really could not have come at a worse time for us. National Condom Week
gives us a platform to raise awareness amongst young people about the
dangers of unprotected sex. It’s a shame but there’s nothing we can do
about it and we’re just going to do our best in the circumstances.
“Our outreach team will instead be out on foot visiting places where
young people hang around, spreading the word about the TIC TAC bus,
asking teenagers to suggest new spots we should visit and informing
those who use it regularly that we haven't abandoned them.”
The TIC TAC bus is now the most popular C-Card distribution site amongst
young people. The C-Card condom scheme provides young people with free
and confidential access to advice, information and guidance on sexual
health and relationships. It also provides condoms to young people if
appropriate.
Over 6000 young people have registered on the C Card scheme since it was
launched in 2005, helping Wigan Borough achieve its first major annual
drop in teenage pregnancy rates in over a decade in 2005-06.
Lisa Ball adds: “We know we are having a really positive impact on the
sexual health of Wigan Borough. The TIC TAC Bus encourages teenagers to
avoid having sex at an early age. Workers support young people to say no
to unwanted sex and give them the skills to negotiate with partners so
they don’t have sex until they are really ready.
“For those that choose to enter into a sexual relationship, TIC TAC
staff are there to ensure that they are as safe and healthy as possible,
but we only provide young people with condoms after they have been
through a thorough assessment process.
“The bus also provides education and guidance on smoking, drugs, alcohol
and other risky behaviour. Work is also done on improving self-esteem
and confidence. Relationships, not sex, is the most discussed topic on
the bus.”
The TIC TAC bus is expected to be off the road until 22nd May. For
further information about the work of the Wigan Council Teenage
Pregnancy Team telephone (01942) 828918.
-ends-
Notes to editors
Photo opportunity
• TIC-TIC bus staff will be visiting a youth football project at the
Robin Park Arena Astroturf pitches on Tuesday (May 13th) between 4.30pm
and 6pm. Press are invited to take photographs young people and workers
at the session.
Further information
• For further information please contact Kennedy Stewart, Wigan Leisure
and Culture Trust Youth Information Team Press Officer, on (01942)
486927.
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