PHARMACIES and NHS services are joining forces to promote a safe sex message over the Christmas period.
Public Health County Durham and Darlington is working with 100 pharmacies to promote the campaign to reduce unwanted pregnancies and cases of sexually transmitted diseases.
Each pharmacy taking part in the campaign has been presented with a special counter top box and 200 wallets each containing two condoms.
It is part of a campaign called C-card where young adults are given a unique card.
The card includes advice on useful contacts to County Durham and Darlington Health Promotion website and the similar national site.
During the campaign, they can access free condoms wallets at participating outlets.
Sandra Waters, sexual health and teenage pregnancy reduction service assistant, said: "Christmas can be a time when a high percentage of incidents of unprotected sex occur, which can lead to unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.
"We hope that people across County Durham and Darlington have a fun-filled and safe Christmas, however, we would like to promote responsible behaviour and encourage condom use."
More information is available at www.health-promotion.cdd.nhs.uk or www.ruthinking.co.uk or on 0800-282930.
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