How JLS are putting condoms into the seX-Factor

X Factor singing sensations JLS, have teamed up with Durex to endorse a range of condoms designed to tackle the UK's high rates of STIs and teenage pregnancy. The team at DurexHCP catch up with the band to find out about their Just Love Safe condom range, and why the sexual health of young people is so important to them.

With their singing talent and obvious good looks, it is no wonder that JLS have been causing quite a stir amongst young people and adults since their launch to fame on the hit TV show the X Factor. Like all boy-band members, they intend to enjoy the thrills of life on the road, but they aren't about to compromise when it comes to safer sex.

In a recent newspaper article, band member Aston, 22, talked openly about contraception, and that fact that his pragmatic mother sends him condoms to distribute to the other band members:

"It's all about staying safe" he says.

With the band's obvious enthusiasm for safer sex, Durex got in touch with the boys to see if they could join forces to drive safer sex messages home to their fan base and JLS were keen to jump on board.

Martyn Ward, managing director of Durex is delighted that JLS have agreed to take part, and is excited by the potential that their condom endorsement could have on the health of the nation as he now explains:

"Condoms are the only form of contraception to protect against STIs and unplanned pregnancies. We hope that by partnering with the country's biggest boy-band, we will be hitting home a serious health message, and impacting upon the sexual health of the nation".

For the boys, it's the opportunity to make this difference that inspires the band to give Durex Extra Safe condoms the JLS stamp of approval. Band member Jonathan 'JB', 23, now explains:

"It's really a chance for us to tackle some of the issues we feel are pertinent within our society."

Hitting the right notes

Band member JB, stresses that JLS will not make a penny from the profits:

"Every penny we make from the sale of the condom range will be put into the JLS Charitable Foundation."

The JLS Foundation supports the promotion of sexual health messages to young people and other worthy causes. It is the band's way of giving something back to the public who supported their rise to fame.

Responsible role models

The boys believe that as role models to their loyal fan base, they can use their celebrity to convey safer sex messages and encourage young people to use condoms. Simon Blake, the director of sexual health charity Brook agrees, believing that celebrity endorsement of condoms is long over due:

"Young people tell us time and time again that pop stars influence them. With levels of teenage pregnancies and STIs appallingly high in the UK, Brook congratulates JLS and Durex for masterminding the Just Love Safe range" he says.

The Just Love Safe range works perfectly with the bands image. When the boys perform on stage, they each wear a signature colour - Aston wears blue, Marvin, 24, green, Ortise, 23, red and JB, yellow. Durex have long since believed in conveying a sense of fun around condoms which is why the JLS endorsed condoms will be available in the band's signature colours.

Promoting safe sex

The packs of JLS condoms, available in shops now, feature a picture of each individual band member and their respective colour on the condom packet. Band member Marvin explains:

"We came up with the idea of the Just Love Safe as we wanted to send a clear message out to fans that are over 16 and sexually active - and that is to always use a condom during sex."

Keeping it real - remembering what is important

HCPs have long since been aware that young people are having sex, regardless of how open or secretive they are about it. With the highest rates of STIs and teenage pregnancy in Europe, and with one in five girls saying they have been pregnant at least once before the age of 18, there is no question that something needs to be done.

JLS' endorsement of condoms is expected to encourage young people to talk openly about condoms and also provides HCPs an opportunity to broach the issues surrounding safer sex in the every day conversations they have with young people; combining popular culture with safer sex messages seems like a logical progression and JLS hope that their name will make a real difference to the sexual health of young adults everywhere.

The packs of JLS endorsed Durex Extra Safe condoms are available in shops now. For more information, please contact your Business Development Manager.

Article release date: 17th September 2010