9th February 2009

The USI will launch its annual SHAG week  at 1pm today (February 9, 2009) in DIT Bolton Street in Dublin.

Dr. James Reilly, Fine Gael spokesperson on Health will officially launch this year's campaign.

Today's launch will also showcase a performance by the world's only Sexual Health Magician who has performed in colleges all over Ireland in the past year.

This will bring a humorous but serious message to students about sexual health in a manner not seen before.

It is an innovative approach to sexual health promotion that moves beyond leaflets to actively involve the audience.

This year's campaign is focusing on opening up the conversation among students in Ireland about sex and sexuality. 

Sexual Health Awareness and Guidance Week

USI will be distributing 35000 sexual health awareness packs across the country. Each shag pack has a condom and a sachet of lube as well as information from thinkcontraception.ie, Durex, Bayer Healthcare 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.

USI President Shane Kelly said:

"Over the past fifty years, the Union of Students in Ireland has been to the fore when it comes to the promotion of sexual health, and this initiative is merely the latest.

It is vitally important that we encourage young people to talk about their sexual experiences in order to demystify sex and to promote healthy and responsible attitudes towards sex."