West End Star Kerry Ellis Launches PITstops Project at The Dominion Theatre

Prevention In Theatres stops, or PITstops, are the brain child of entertainment industry charity The Make A Difference Trust. Supported by Broadway Cares and Freedoms Shop NHS, The Make A Difference Trust has developed a pilot program of the project in response to their 2012 entertainment industry sexual health survey, which indicated a worrying lack of HIV awareness, as well as difficulty accessing basic prevention tools once the curtain comes down.

Each PITstop has 70 small packs containing condoms and basic information and is the first project of its kind to directly support the sexual health of performers, back stage crews and theatre staff.

The project was launched yesterday, 1st April, at The Dominion Theatre, the first venue to take part in the pilot, with West End leading lady Kerry Ellis returning to the theatre where she originated the role of Meat in We Will Rock You, to officially open the project.

David Pendlebury, Chairman of The Make A Difference Trust says "after many years being known as a granting organisation we are so excited to have launched a project of our very own and to be able provide practical support to an industry that continually supports us."

After a 3 month pilot The Make A Difference Trust hopes to roll the PITstops out across all UK theatres, rehearsal spaces and performing arts schools.

For more information, visit www.madtrust.org.uk.