HIV and sexual health charity Herts Aid and C-sure, the Hertfordshire Chlamydia Screening Programme, are running three sexual health awareness days at West Herts College on the run up to Valentine’s day.

The team will offer free condoms, sexual health advice and chlamydia tests to students on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday next week.

They will be at the Hemel Hempstead campus on the 12th, King’s Langley campus on the 13th and Watford on the 14th raising awareness of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and encouraging students to protect themselves by using condoms.

Herts Aid and C-sure will also be giving students the sexual health c-card which enables young people to pick up free condoms from a number of venues across Hertfordshire.

The scheme also helps young people make the right choices regarding relationships, get tested for chlamydia and understand the types of contraception available.

High rates of sexually transmitted infections among young people suggest many are still putting themselves at risk through unsafe sex and some will already have an infection and not know it.

Suzanne Bannister, Director of Herts Aid said: "Love is in the air around Valentine’s Day, but we want young people to remember their condoms if they are having sex.

"You may think it’s unlikely your partner has an infection but why take the risk? Students with questions or concerns about sexual health should feel free to come and chat to us when we’re at the college, we’re there to help."

Chlamydia screening will be available on the day. Students can provide a urine sample, or women can provide a swab if they prefer, which will be sent off to be tested.

Results can be sent by text, letter, email or phone call and are normally available within two weeks.

Offering chlamydia testing at college may encourage students to test who wouldn’t normally consider it or who find a sexual health clinic environment off putting.

Herts Aid has offices in Watford and Ware. To speak to anyone about HIV or sexual health, please call the Watford office on 01923 803440, or email admin@hertsaid.co.uk to arrange an appointment.

For more general information visit www.hertsaid.co.uk or to find your nearest sexual health service visit www.sexualhealthhertfordshire.co.uk