On the 4th October the HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme (SHCPP), Health and Wellbeing, launched a free national online service which provides people living in Ireland aged 17 and older, the option to test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at home. Full details, including how to access a free STI test is available on www.sexualwellbeing.ie.
People aged 17 and older can order a free STI test kit on the online platform, which is delivered to their home by post. Users complete the tests at home and post the samples to the laboratory in the pre-paid envelope provided. Individuals receive their results by text or phone, and those who require further testing and treatment are referred to participating public STI clinics, ensuring a seamless individual experience.
This service is generally most suitable for individuals who do not have symptoms of an STI. Anyone who has symptoms of an STI is advised to attend an STI clinic or their GP for assessment.
The HSE is supporting the launch with a digital, social media and an outdoor campaign to:
- Raise awareness of the national service
- Emphasise the role of STI testing within the overall context of STI prevention and treatment for individuals.
- Direct the public to sexualwellbeing.ie for more information and to order a free home STI test kit.
A new ‘street art’ style creative designed by Joe Caslin is being delivered as part of the national service.
Out-of-home (OOH) advertising will start on 10th October for two weeks. The campaign will be promoted through busy city centre orb screens in social areas, pub and club washrooms and college washrooms and screens.
Digital display advertising will be optimised towards meeting the 18-30 year old audience and will also appear on dating apps (including Tinder and Grindr during the month of October.
Social media videos and messages will be promoted across Sexual Wellbeing social media platforms.
New posters and business cards will be available shortly to order from HealthPromotion.ie
More information about the service is available at: www.sexualwellbeing.ie.
