Trojan’s innovative condom scheme SAFE RIDE HOME where cabbies distribute condoms is gathering momentum and launching in many key UK cities.

Since the pilot in Brighton this summer, partnerships have been established with taxi firms in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Manchester, Newcastle, Medway and Birmingham which launch from December.

The scheme has been praised by sexual health professionals for its innovation and relevance.

¤ Brook Advisory have pledged support and Trojan will work in collaboration with Brook centres in those areas where they have a presence.

¤ Safe Ride Home has also been welcomed by the Family Planning Association (FPA) in Scotland. FPA spokesman Tim Streets said to the BBC (Scotland): "We're talking about protecting people's health and getting them to see that, even after a night out on the town and maybe being inebriated, this is a serious issue. “People don't think as much as they should about the issues of safer sex, so any extra help has to be a great thing."

¤ Helen Knox, Founder of the Sexplained Foundation and the UK’s first Outreach Clinical Nurse Specialist in Contraception and Sexual Health is fully supportive. Helen said: “Anything that can help to jolt people high on life after a good night out to think of using protection has to be a brilliant thing. In a time of rising STIs and reduced common sense Safe Ride Home is just what’s needed.”

Trojan have created posters and flyers which are displayed in local bars and clubs to promote the scheme. A number of partners have contacted Trojan offering to support the scheme locally. In Edinburgh, the university will display posters and flyers and popular venue ‘City Bar’ will promote the scheme and offer additional free condoms. In Birmingham, Kerrang! radio are backing the launch along with local bars Barracuda and Bar Risa.

David Thompson says on behalf of Trojan UK:

“We’re delighted with how receptive everyone has been to our scheme. The idea has always been to make Trojan available at a time when they are most likely to need condoms and remind people of the importance of protecting themselves and their partner from STIs. Trojan have always chosen environments where people feel comfortable to promote Trojan and the condom message, and use fun and innovation to grab their attention.”

Any other taxi firms or health services wanting more information on Safe Ride Home should visit www.trojanpleasure.co.uk