***STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL 00:01 THURSDAY 2nd APRIL 2009***

Actress and comedian Helen Lederer is available for live and pre-recorded interviews today, as part of a new campaign targeting adults over 45 to clear the embarrassment of talking about contraception with a new partner. She is sharing some of her own experiences of being in a new relationship later in life, and giving advice to people who may be a little embarrassed about approaching the subject of ‘safe sex’.

The campaign is backed by new research released today by The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, which reveals that adults aged 45 and over are unaware of the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and are taking risks with their sexual health when starting relationships – and can be equally embarrassed as teenagers when talking about contraception with new partners. When it comes to comparing 18-24 and over 55 year old age group, the research reveals that double the number of over 55s believe that their chances of picking up an STI from unprotected sex are ‘next to nothing’ - a staggering 1 in 4. It seems that embarrassment is still a factor for people buying contraception, with 1 in 25 admitting to still buying other products as well as contraception.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT annette.harada@tvcgroup.com