THE NHS in Worcestershire is launching a new campaign to encourage residents over the age of 45 to practice safe sex.

The Playin’ It Safe initiative comes after Chlamydia rates for people in the 45 to 64 age bracket have increased by 87 per cent between 2009 and 2013.

While the rates in young people, aged 15 to 24, over the same time period have decreased.

Kate Wilson, sexual health promotion specialist at Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, said a number of factors can explain the trend.

“This campaign was born out of awareness that sexual health messages have a tendency to target young people,” she said.

“Therefore older groups may not realise how this applies to them, but many people find themselves dating again as circumstances change.

“For some, pregnancy may no longer be a consideration, or they have experienced the menopause, but people need to contemplate whether they are putting themselves at risk of infection and need to use condoms, as well as existing methods of contraception.

“It could be the first time that some have had to think about this for many years.”

Other statistics show the rates of Genital Herpes in the West Midlands for the 45 to 64 age group have more than doubled between 2009 and 2013 while Gonorrhoea diagnoses have almost tripled.

Mrs Wilson said: “Occasionally people are embarrassed at the prospect of acquiring condoms or visiting a sexual health service, however there really is no need to be.

“If anyone wants to talk about any aspect of sexual health or relationships, they are encouraged to visit a local service, where they can get free contraception, including condoms.

“They can also be tested and treated for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) - whatever their age – and all services are free and confidential.”

For more information call 0800 783 2936 or visit playinitsafe.co.uk