Pubs, clubs, snooker halls and bowling alleys in the area are now offering an extra service - free sexual health tests.

NHS Hounslow's chlamydia team have been pounding the streets of the borough over the past month to encourage 16 to 24 year olds to get tested for chlamydia, as part of a Government initiative.

In a five-week drive by the primary care trust, free “do-it-yourself” kits have been handed out in locations popular with young people, including Feltham Tenpin bowling alley and Riley’s snooker halls in Hounslow and Chiswick.

Team members have also been positioned in pubs and clubs on Friday and Saturday nights and in the Treaty Centre, Hounslow, and Chiswick High Road, in their mission to get as many young people tested for the sexually transmitted infection as possible.

Tracey Warrener, lead commissioner for sexual health at NHS Hounslow, said: “This is a more discreet way for all sexually active young people, aged between 16 and 24 to get tested. This will help encourage young people to think about their sexual health and get tested.

“The tests are completely painless and are totally confidential and the results are not shared with anyone.”

It is believed that one in 10 sexually active young people are infected with the sexually transmitted disease (STD) which shows no noticeable symptoms in men and women.

The kits allow people to post a urine sample or swab to NHS Hounslow where it will be tested for chlamydia.

The results will be returned by either a text message, call or letter.

Although chlamydia can lead to long-term health problems, including infertility, if left untreated it can be easily cleared with a single dose of antibiotics.

Government Health Ministers want 17 per cent of all 15 to 24 year olds to be screened for the disease throughout March.

To reach this target gig tickets, computer games and iPods have been offered by a number of local authorities across the capital to encourage under-25s to sign up for chlamydia screening.

The PCT team will be at Hounslow Treaty Centre from 11am on Saturday to hand out free kits and answer questions about the disease.

For more information call Hounslow chlamydia team on 020 8630 3978 or text 07958 661462.

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