March 2018
One of the young stars of the critically acclaimed film ‘I, Daniel Blake’ is backing a free condom scheme for young people which has launched in South Tyneside. South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust’s sexual health service has worked with partners in the community, including GP practices, pharmacies and colleges, to offer free condom ‘grab packs’ for 16 to 24-year-olds. Young people can collect the grab packs upon completing a short form at one of many sites across the borough , they do not have to make an appointment.
Kema Sikazwe, also known as Kema Kay, who lives in Newcastle, played one of the main characters in director Ken Loach’s film, ‘I, Daniel Blake’, which is set in the North East. It won a BAFTA and the Cannes Film Festival’s Palme d’Or.
Kema said: “Having schemes like this encourages safe behaviour. Many young people may not have the money to purchase condoms so the condom scheme is fantastic because it is free and, also, it is available at so many venues in South Tyneside.