Public Health and Manx Care are relaunching a sexual health campaign for this year’s TT, building on last year’s success.
People are encouraged to practise safer sex, get tested regularly and to seek advice from professionals when they need it.
The campaign was created and launched for last year’s TT after figures showed a sharp rise in demand for sexual health services after the race event in June 2024. Visits to the Manx Integrated Sexual Health Centre (MISH) increased by 217% and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) increased by 80% in the following weeks.
During last year’s campaign visits to MISH decreased compared to 2024. While this indicates increased awareness and safer sex practices, MISH continues to see an annual increase of unplanned pregnancies following the TT period and the number of STIs is still high overall.
This year’s campaign repeats the original headline ‘You wouldn’t ride without a helmet… don’t take the risk. Wear a condom’. Free condoms will be available at popular TT hotspots and advice focuses on:
- Protection from STIs and unplanned pregnancies
- Support available at MISH
- Looking after your friends on a night out, the importance of co
Public Health has been raising awareness among young people who are most likely to visit the centre. MISH will be on hand for information and advice at Bushy’s TT Village on the evenings of 31 May and 1 June.
Advertising materials include beer mats and provide more details of how to contact MISH. The sexual health webpage provides downloadable posters, tips for safe condom use, information on when to get tested, the importance of consent in healthy sexual relationships and links to more support and advice.
Dr. Matt Tyrer, Director of Public Health said:
‘STIs have been a steady year on year increase since 2020. The Manx Integrated Sexual Health Centre reports a similar trend here.
‘STIs are usually treatable but can be serious and sometimes deadly if not treated promptly. Equally, unplanned pregnancies can change your whole life. Sexual health is an important topic although often difficult to talk about. We want to make sure that people know how to protect themselves, where to go to get advice and that they can feel comfortable to talk openly in a safe, non-judgemental environment at MISH.’
Minister for the Cabinet Office Hon David Ashford MBE MHK, said:
‘We want everyone to be safe while they relish the energy and excitement of the Island’s world famous TT races. At a time when our population nearly doubles and many people are enjoying nights out, it is important that everyone knows how to look after themselves and each other, and where to get help if they need it.
‘Enjoying TT safely also means understanding the importance of safer sex, particularly when alcohol or drugs may affect judgement, decision-making and consent. We are fortunate to have the Manx Integrated Sexual Health Centre as a free, friendly and non-judgemental service offering advice, testing, support and treatment. I would encourage anyone who needs support, or who wants a regular sexual health check, to contact the centre.’
