USI launched its annual SHAG (Sexual Health and Guidance) Week on February 8 in DIT Bolton Street.

The motto of this year's campaign is "Whoever You Like, Love Safer Sex".

Showcased at the launch were three sexual health awareness video advertisements, which were put together by audio-visual students at the Institute of Technology Tallaght, especially for the campaign.

The world's only sexual health magician, who has performed in colleges all over Ireland in recent years, will also perform at the event.

USI will be distributing 45,000 sexual health awareness packs across the country as part of the campaign.

Each SHAG pack has a condom and information on contraception from thinkcontraception.ie, Durex and the Irish Family Planning Association.

All the information provided aims to help students have safer sex and make informed decisions regarding their contraceptive choices.

"A big thank you to DIT Students' Union and all the team there for hosting the National launch of our annual SHAG (Sexual Health Awareness and Guidance) Week yesterday.

Also, a big thank you to all our sponsors Thinkcontaception.ie, Durex and the IFPA. Well done to the students of IT Tallaght for the YouTube videos they produced.

The event was a huge success and had a great turnout from their students. We hope to break down the barriers among the people attending third level so that they feel comfortable talking about their sexual experiences. We want to encourage students to have access to information and then make an informed decision on what they want to do. We are also encouraging those who think they might have an STI to get it checked at their nearest screening clinic to prevent permanent damage."