With the rising rates of Chlamydia infection amongst teenagers which has more than quadrupled in the last ten years and being the most common and fastest growing STI which can often remain undiagnosed a creative project was specifically designed to target this issue.

‘Confronting Chlamydia’ project was developed through funding from Walsall Health Action Zones and Walsall Teenage Pregnancy Team following the recognized need for a toolkit which would effectively help youth workers explore and discuss sexual health issues with young people.

Creative consultation was carried out with over 50 health professionals and youth workers, and more than 40 young people which led to the development of a series of prototype interactive resources consisting of a board game, video, drama game and website. Further professional and community involvement guided the developments of the final toolkit named ‘Frisky Risky’ which incorporated a board game and drama resource.

The project has been profiled in the 08/09 ‘A year of Healthy Communities Calendar’ produced by the I&DeA. (Improvement and Development Agency)

The project was developed in partnership with Walsall Youth Arts, Walsall teaching Primary Care Trust (Community Public Health Team and School Health Advisors), Walsall Health Action Zones, Sure Start Plus, Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust (GUM clinic), Walsall Youth Service and Electric Palace.

‘Frisky Risky’ board game is a good way to get young people involved and talking about sensitive issues in a fun way…it’s a lively tool kit for young people to get information about Chlamydia and their sexual health.”

“Loved the interaction aspect, it gets people involved and gets you thinking.”

“A fun way of passing on the information without personalising the issues. Young people can ask questions in a safe setting without feeling uncomfortable – and it is a good resource for all types of learner.”

‘Frisky Risky’ was launched borough wide alongside Walsall’s ‘Chlamydia’ training programme. Currently over 200 staff (health, community, education, youth service) have attended the local training and 30 ‘Frisky Risky’ resources are being used throughout the borough.