New NHS Lanarkshire safer sex campaign encouraging young men to access support services

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A new campaign has been launched by NHS Lanarkshire to encourage young men to access its free safe sex advice and support services.The initiative is part of #SaferSexLanarkshire awareness week, which runs until Sunday.There has been a dramatic decline in the number of young men accessing essential sexual health services across Lanarkshire.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android Experts believe disruption caused by the COVID pandemic is partly to blame for the 32 per cent fall in the number of male attendance since the beginning of 2020.So far this year, just eight per cent of all youngsters' clinic appointments were booked by men - down from 18 per cent on four years ago.During #SaferSexLanarkshire week, clinicians are making a fresh appeal to young men across the region to access the "free, confidential, and discreet services".Drop-in clinics and other support systems are in place at Coatbridge's Coathill Hospital.

Dr Rashmi Ronghe, lead consultant in sexual health, told Lanarkshire Live : “The pandemic has presented us with challenges, but the proportion of young females accessing services has always been significantly higher than males. “What we want is for young males to understand what free services are on offer, and how easily they can accessed, and without worrying about being embarrassed.“Safer