Contraception Education's visit to China

To find out all about our recent trip to China please visit this page and to follow press coverage please click here

Compulsory PSHE, maybe?

Schools Minister announces statutory PSHE


DCSF has published the report by the group that was established
to review the delivery of Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) in
schools; and the Government response to the group's report.

The review was announced in the Children's Plan, in December 2007. The
steering group that undertook the review comprised practitioners
involved in the planning and delivery of SRE; experts in young people's
sexual health; representatives of faith groups; and young people. The
review was co-chaired by Schools Minister Jim Knight, Jackie Fisher,
Principal of Newcastle College and Josh McTaggart, a member of the UK
Youth Parliament. The group's independent report includes a number of
recommendations to Government, designed to improve the quality and
consistency of SRE in schools, to which the Government has responded.

The steering group's headline recommendation is that PSHE should be made statutory and be supported by a statutory programme of study (PoS) - in order to give it increased status/priority in schools.

The Government has accepted the arguments for statutory PSHE and agreed to undertake a
review headed by Sir Alasdair MacDonald to consider how to turn the decision that PSHE should have statutory status into a practicable way forward.

In addition, the Government will accept, or agree to consider further, all
of the steering group's other recommendations, designed to improve the
delivery of SRE. Recommendations broadly fall into 6 headings:

Those designed to improve the skills and confidence of those who deliver SRE - the key delivery challenge;

Those designed to encourage greater use of external professionals and agencies to support schools' delivery of SRE;

Those that address the need for more guidance and support on how best to deliver SRE;

Those designed to increase young people's opportunities to influence the design of their SRE programmes;

Those aimed at maximising the impact of wider Government programmes on the quality and consistency of SRE; and

Those designed to improve leadership on SRE, in terms of both school leadership teams and strategic oversight by Local Authorities and PCTs.

The report also considered how best to ensure that schools and parents could work in partnership to educate children and young people about sex and relationships.

BRING IT ON! Advocates for Youth look at sex education in the current US political climate

Advocates for Youth take a refreshing look at sex education and other reproductive sexual health issues in the current US political climate.

Evidence of the effectiveness of Contraception the Board Game

Having undertaken a piece of research at the University of Manachester for her Masters in Population Health Sarah Bagshaw has made her report available at Contraception Education. The report follows what happened when groups of young people in a youth inclusion project played Contraception the Board Game in their evening sessions. Findings show acceptability of the game in facilitating open discussion, an increase in knowledge of STI's and change of attitude around the use of condoms to protect against sexually transmitted infection

For more information or to contact Sarah Bagshaw, the author, please contact us here

School's decision to reject HPV Vaccine

I was struck by two things in the popular press this week - the coverage given to the school where the HPV vaccine was rejected, and the very sad story of Jade Goody.

What is the argument again for rejecting the HPV vaccine? Is it that old so called moral argument that if we protect our young people from a potentially deadly cancer then we will create a promiscuous society? And is the message that if we don't, then there will be no unprotected sex and we will all live happily ever after? Or is it, if you have unprotected sex then you must face the direst of consequences? I don't like what I'm hearing.

Those unfortunate teenagers will not have the same opportunity to look after their health if the vaccine is only offered off school premises. It is often people who do not access their own doctors who are the most at risk of many diseases, for many different reasons, so their school would have been a great place to offer the vaccine.

Jade has had one of the worst outcomes and love her or hate her the images we are seeing of her are very strong and heart rending. If giving the vaccine can protect others from having this experience then every single vaccine is worth it. People who propose that mass vaccination is a bad idea need to grow up and to broaden their minds so we can really protect the health of our teenagers NOW. It makes more sense in every way to avoid disease, to avoid surgery and to avoid all the heartache that having a totally preventable cancer can bring.

I don't doubt that we need to promote safer sex (or abstaining/delaying first sex, if that is right for a particular school). We do definitely need to teach how cervical cancer is more likely to occur when teenagers start having unprotected sex at a young age, are exposed to HPV early in their lives, and maybe from more than one partner. But abstaining from sex will never be everyone's choice.

So, should our faith schools be allowed to "play God" and make decisions on behalf of the teenage girls who will go on to develop cervical cancer as a result of not being adequately protected?

What resources do we make and what training do we do?

A few people have said to me recently that they would like to know exactly what we do and what resources we make, so to make it quick for you, here's a one minute slide show.

Barbara Hastings-Asatourian and Lisa Brotherton on Granada Edition

This Granada Edition (link to programme) looked at the experiences of 3 young women who had their babies in their late teens, but it also included clips from a sex education session Lisa Brotherton from Glossop Women's Aid and Barbara Hastings-Asatourian from Contraception Education did in the inclusion suite at Glossopdale Community College. It was filmed in July 2008 by Mange2 Media and the sex education component featured Contraception the Board Game. In between these sequences were interviews with government minister Beverley Hughes, Simon Blake CEO of Brook, Barbara Hastings-Asatourian from Contraception Education and a representative from the UK Youth Parliament. The message from UK Youth Parliament was that sex education should be compulsory and comprehensive, allowing young people to make informed choices. The message from young parents was that, with the right support, young people can continue in education and be good parents. Relationships with the baby's grandparents seemed to be very significant, as was the ability to be open and honest with each other in the family and in school sex education. The programme showed the difficulties of being a teenage parent without the all too frequent tabloid demonisation of teenagers or intrusion into privacy.

Women Inventors Symposium in Johannesburg

South African President and Deputy President inaugurate Women Inventors Symposium in Johannesburg

Mr Thabo Mbeki, President of the Republic of South Africa, and Deputy President Ms Phumzile Mlambo Ngcuka both attended last week’s South African Women Inventors and Innovators Symposium. Many of the country’s female ministers and around 1,500 women entrepreneurs, inventors and innovators from Africa, Europe and South-East Asia packed the Gallagher Conference Centre to take part in the launch of the Pan-African Women Inventors and Innovators Network and to honour many of those who have made the greatest contribution to encouraging women to play a full role in the continent’s economic and social development.

The two-day event is a joint initiative between the South African government and the Global Women Inventors and Innovators Network (GWIIN), the organisation behind the well-established British Female Inventor & Innovator of the Year Awards. The theme of the launch event is ‘boosting sustainability through innovation’. According to Mrs Bola Olabisi, Founder and CEO of GWIIN, the event has achieved all its objectives of highlighting the actual and potential contribution of women to social and economic development throughout Africa. “We know from GWIIN’s activities in the UK and Europe that by encouraging and giving recognition to innovative women, they gain the confidence to start up or develop enterprises that can help solve many problems, especially in areas such as healthcare, energy efficiency, education, agriculture and technology.

South African Government Minister Ms Buyelwa Sonjica welcomed delegates to the symposium and explained how much had been done to include women in the country’s government under the presidency of Mr Mbeki. Mrs Olabisi reinforced this message and presented the President with an award in recognition of his commitment to encouraging women to play a greater part in innovating and finding new approaches to economic and social development. In accepting the award, President Mbeki acknowledged that he was in fact accepting an ‘instruction’ to continue his strategy of encouraging women to play a full role in the country’s development.

South Africa’s President Mr Thabo Mbeki receives his award from Mrs Bola Olabisi of GWIIN at the launch of the Pan-African Women Inventors and Innovators Network in Johannesburg on 27 August 2008.

Over 1500 delegates were at the South African Women Inventors and Innovators Symposium and the launch of the Pan-African Women Inventors & Innovators Network on 27-29 August

Preparing to visit the World Health Organisation and International Red Cross in Geneva

We are busy preparing for our visit to Geneva on 22nd, 23rd and 24th September 2008, and have produced the following slideshow to show what we have been doing so far.

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SPOOF Spray-On Condoms Commercial

Just for fun, a spoof - "Germany has developed a new technology in safe sex. This is the ad. Use at your own risk".

read more | digg story

CONDOM RINGTONE - What do you think?

I have just been forwarded this article from today's news. It describes the use of ringtones to promote a safer sex message in India.
http://tech.uk.msn.com/news/article.aspx?cp-documentid=9273447

"Safe sex ringtone sings 'Condom, condom!'
Ever heard a safe-sex promo sung in multipart harmony? Have a listen to the 'condom a cappella' ringtone. Just launched in India -- where approximately 2.5 million people are living with HIV -- it's part of a three-year ad offensive aimed at making condom use there more socially acceptable. And it's actually quite catchy.
The ringtone marks the latest phase in the mass-media campaign, which has placed ads on television, radio, and film, and in print and outdoor media. Ultimately, the HIV-prevention messages are expected to reach an estimated 52 million men.
According to international charity BBC World Service Trust, which is producing the ads, the idea behind the condom ringtone is 'jo samjha wohi sikander' ('the one who understands is a winner'). To wit: an ad promoting the new ringtone depicts a wedding, where a mobile ringtone buzzes with a loud "Condom! Condom!" Embarrassing for the man holding the phone? Not even. The reaction of those around the red-faced guy is to see him as smart and responsible.
"Ringtones have become such personal statements that a specially created condom ringtone seemed just the right way of combining a practical message with a fun approach," said Radharani Mitra, creative director of the BBC World Service Trust India.
The campaign is funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The National AIDS Control Organization is also using the ads to support its condom promotion efforts.
The ringtone, which can be downloaded both via SMS or the Web site condomcondom.org, has reportedly been downloaded more than 60,000 times in the last 12 days. And trust us, it's much better than that other safe-sex ringtone: We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off. "

Positive Perspectives from George House Trust

TODAY'S BLOG HAS BEEN VERY KINDLY CONTRIBUTED BY KATH MORGAN FROM THE GEORGE HOUSE TRUST - Email: kath@ght.org.uk or Phone: 0161 274 4499

George House Trust is the leading HIV social care charity in the North West. We are currently expanding our Positive Speakers’ Programme as part of our wider campaign to challenge HIV related stigma and prejudice.

The Positive Speakers’ Programme provides opportunities to hear personal accounts of living with HIV and access useful facts and information about HIV. The Programme works with schools, professionals, and voluntary and community organisations.

We work with a diverse range of Speakers and sessions can be tailored for the age group, information needs and work of your organisation.

Positive Speakers challenge myths and stigma surrounding HIV, promote a safe sex message and encourage a deeper understanding of people’s experences of living with HIV. We can also provide supporting literature and information resources to complement the talk/presentation.

For further information about the Positive Speakers’ Programme, please contact Kath Morgan by email: kath@ght.org.uk, phone: 0161 274 4499

Further details on the programme and about the other services offered by George House Trust can be found on our website: http://www.ght.org.uk

Teenagers want to talk more to their parents about sex

A study by author and agony aunt Anita Naik found three-quarters of 11-to- 14-year-olds wished it was easier to talk to their parents about sex.... BBC News on-line reports on this in full today on http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7521443.stm and includes a short video of mums and daughters as vox pops.

Protect and Respect Conference

We ran our "Protect and Respect" conference last Friday 18th July at the Salford Innovation Forum, and it went really well. Evaluations were excellent and we are now putting together a short film about the day. Keep an eye on http://www.contraceptioneducation.co.uk/news.asp for the presentations and video clips as they're completed.

Durex Network News

I was forwarded this link yesterday and find all of the reports really interesting. Please let us know what you think.... http://www.durexnetwork.org/en-GB/research/faceofglobalsex/pages/default.aspx

Julie Wray writes about Children with HIV

I read with sadness the article in The Observer on 13.7.08 ‘HIV children turned away from schools’ by Jacqui Thornton. My attention was drawn to the ignorance and controversy facing many children living with HIV and their right to be educated. According to Thornton many teachers, schools and local education authorities are practising with fear and ignorance about the consequences of allowing children with HIV to attend school. It appears that some children are being refused a school place, or upon learning that a child has HIV, are asked to leave, or breaches of confidentiality are occurring. Examples from real cases highlight that the main issues are mostly based upon fear, fear of transmission and confidentiality in relation to the child and family. I have to say I was quite shocked that such fear exists especially as such practice is contrary to the facts and knowledge that are well known and published about HIV.

A few facts:

• There are about 1,500 children living with HIV in the UK, including 1,000 under 15.
  
• On average just over 100 children are diagnosed with HIV in the UK each year.
  
• HIV cannot be passed on by spiting, biting, small cuts or grazes, sharing utensils or toilet seats.


• Resources for teachers about HIV in schools are available from http://www.nat.org.uk/
  
  The National Aids Trust is campaigning to improve things for individual families and children. If you are able to support and make comment do contact the National Aids Trust at http://www.nat.org.uk/
  
  Contraception Education works with schools and teachers provides resources and workshops to inform and educate people about all sexual health matters, including HIV, in particular "Safer Sex: An Interactive Learning Resource" on Video and DVD produced in collaboration with Brook Manchester and "Play-it-Safe" a CD game developed specifically for South Africa

Brook calls for compulsory sex and relationships education in all schools

Speaking to BBC Radio 1’s Newsbeat Brook’s Chief Executive, Simon Blake, called for all UK governments to ensure that all children as soon as they enter primary school will receive sex and relationships education in schools.
Simon Blake said:
“If we get high quality sex and relationships education in every primary and secondary school across the UK all the evidence shows teenage pregnancy rates will continue to fall and will improve young people’s sexual health.
“Whilst sex and relationships education continues to be patchy another generation of children and young people do not get the education they need to form healthy relationships and protect their sexual health.”
Brook wants every primary and secondary school to be legally required to provide sex and relationships education and secondary schools to ensure that young people have access to free confidential contraceptive and sexual health services.
Brook is undertaking a public vote asking the question, Do you agree that Government must ensure that all children and young people get education about puberty, relationships and sex at primary and secondary school? To register your vote please see www.brook.org.uk.
For media enquiries please contact Natalie Collyer, Press Officer, on 020 7284 6062 or 07500 786 762

PROTECT AND RESPECT Conference Invitation

An invitation for you from Barbara and the Contraception Education conference team, Meline and Remi ...

We are delighted to announce our conference this year is going to be in Salford, at the new Salford innovation Forum on Frederick Road. It promises to be a great one, with presentations from SRE consultant John Rees, of PSHE Solutions nurse academics Carol Robinson from HYPHOP, Barbara Hastings-Asatourian, from Contraception Education, Lisa Brotherton and Katy Brigg from Glossop Women's Aid on Healthy Relationships, Hazel Murphy and Jenny Gannon from Friends of Londiani, students from local colleges demonstrating their use of animation and video production skills in SRE, dancers from Manchester Diamonds, and many NHS, third sector and education professionals sharing what works and what doesn't. Lunch, exhibition, parking and networking, and the whole event is just £75 per person.

Please follow http://www.contraceptioneducation.co.uk/nitem.asp?news_id=395 to a flyer and booking form for Contraception Education's 2008 summer conference, Protect and Respect: Celebrating Excellence in Sex and Relationships Education on Friday 18th July 2008. Or call us on 07764 821521 for more information.

Britart at the seaside - art and teenage pregnancy - Julie's Blog

The Guardian on Saturday June 14th 2008 ran a full page story about Tracey Emin’s latest sculptures reflecting teenage pregnancy on display in Folkstone The Emin sculptures are part of the first Folkestone Triennial which opens this weekend and continues for the next three months. Many artists feature their work like all the artists, Emin had been invited to Folkestone to get inspiration for their work.

She is quoted as saying "For me personally I find a lot of public sculptures very big and very macho and dominating and intrusive. I like little things in public. As I walked around all I kept seeing was lots of young girls with babies, it's like Margate and the whole of the south-east really. I was thinking how could I make something for them." Essentially she chooses teenage pregnancy as her inspiration for her bronzed baby items which are displayed in and around Folkstone.

What I found fascinating about this newspaper article was the positive spin on teenage pregnancy (albeit brief) influenced by Emin’s perspective that teenage mums are treated badly on the whole as some kind of problematic phenomena. I couldn’t agree more. If our starting point in judging the age of motherhood is rooted in the word ‘problem’ then it is very hard to portray anything positive. In my mind motherhood can be tough, whatever the age, indeed Emin comments that maybe having a child at 50 is stupid!!! Her contribution through art to raise the issue and hopefully stimulate lively debate is very welcome. I feel that for too long now young mums can get a raw deal. By being depicted as a problem that affects public health targets and government policy the positives and good things that many young mums achieve is hidden. This said, what about the dads?

Again the spin is typically biased towards young women but young men have a role and influence too. I do hope that Emin’s work and the work of other artists continue to portray a more balanced perspective. If you're in Folkstone take a look and do let us know what you think, it would be great to have your comments anyway.

Are condoms not sexy enough to be news?

This past few weeks has been quite busy, with National condom week (http://www.contraceptioneducation.co.uk/nitem.asp?news_id=403) and the debates in the House of Parliament on late abortion. Of course for last weeks blog Barbara found an excellent link to her MP Tom Levitt's blog and his reasons for voting to keep the 24 week limit for late abortion.

Overall the media has had a field day on late abortion with a range of emotive reporting, but very little has featured in newspapers and TV about National condom week. I wonder why this is the case. Clearly, the important messages about protecting ones sexual health by using a condom is simple enough to understand and yet evidence suggests that this message is not fully applied in practice. Sexually transmitted infections continue to affect many young people with rates increasing and in some parts of the UK epidemics exist ( http://www.nwph.net/nwpho/_layouts/1033/searchresults.aspx).

Young people need good information more than ever about protecting themselves, staying safe and in control. Being able to make your own decisions and choices about your sexual health requires first and foremost knowledge and confidence. One of the most powerful ways to get positive and long lasting messages to young people is through the media. I think more could have been done for during National condom week – what do you think?

Late Abortions and the Human Embyology Bill - comment by Barbara

I live in the High Peak, and was looking at the blog of my MP Tom Levitt today. I was so pleased to read that he had voted to keep the 24 week limit on abortions this week. His reasons, to which I have added a comment, are on his blog at
http://www.tomlevitt.org.uk/?PageId=f63e7a83-1881-5dc4-2d17-aa736167c7a1

Durex Press Release for National Condom Week

DON’T BE BLINDED BY LOVE, SAYS DUREX

Love is blind, or so the old saying goes, but this year, as part of National Condom, Durex is launching a safer sex pack designed to open young peoples’ eyes to the risks associated with having unprotected sex.
The pack has been designed by Samuel Michael (22) of University College Falmouth – winner of an online competition run by Durex. The condom company challenged students across the UK to design a poster that would encourage their peers to ‘play safer’. They received over 500 entries and nearly 15,000 people visited the website.

The winner produced a series of four posters entitled ‘Love is Blind’, voted by the online audience. Thousands of campaign packs have been developed and contain postcard-sized handouts of the winning poster and runner up entries, and are available free of charge during National Condom Week.

When asked about the motivation behind his idea Samuel said: "I wanted to come up with something that would resonate strongly with young people and make them realise that they don't want to catch these diseases - and how important it is to use protection all of the time."
Thousands of the posters will be displayed up and down the country throughout National Condom Week, in pubs, clubs, student unions and student accommodation, as well as NHS sexual health centres, clinics, GP surgeries and family planning centres.

The campaign, an annual initiative aimed at promoting safer sex and encouraging 16-24-year-olds to get the condom habit, has the full support of all the UK’s major sexual health charities.
Brook Advisory, National Aids Trust and the Terrence Higgins Trust will be displaying campaign material at their centres and outreach workers will be using the materials in their workshops.
Caroline Green, brand manager at Durex, said: "National Condom Week is a chance to get everyone thinking about the importance of safer sex. The Durex Global Sex Survey showed that just over 52% of people in the UK have had unprotected sex without knowing the sexual health of their partner. We want people to feel comfortable using and talking about condoms. Carrying a condom should be as normal as carrying your mobile phone or your wallet."

To order poster packs, please visit http://www.durexchange.com/
For further information please contact Vanessa Munnings or Georgina Barnes at Myriad PR on 01353 669939 or email georgina.barnes@myriadpr.com / vanessa.munnings@myriadpr.com
Photos of Samuel Michael and his winning designs are available from Myriad PR.
Ends

Quotes from our campaign partners
Deborah Jack, chief executive, National AIDS Trust:
"Durex National Condom Week is a great opportunity to get people talking about condoms and safer sex. Condoms remain the only effective way to prevent HIV transmission when having sex. Yet our recent Public Attitudes Survey showed that 24% of the British public do not use a condom with a new partner as a matter of course. Getting young people talking about condoms and safer sex is the first step towards equipping them with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and make wise choices in their life."

Julie Bentley, chief executive, fpa:
"We are pleased to support National Condom Week. The standard of entries to the poster competition is very impressive and illustrates how important sexual health is to people. Creative poster designs have been combined with powerful messaging, both essential tools in promoting good sexual health."

Simon Blake, chief executive, Brook Advisory Centres:
"Brook is really pleased to support NCW this year. It is an important initiative to raise the profile and importance of condoms among young people, in which Durex does just that. We are particularly pleased that young people have been involved in the development of this campaign."
Ama Uzowuru, vice-president (welfare), NUS:
"The current STI climate we are in highlights the importance such a week. With materials designed by young people for young people showing what they feel is the perfect way to get the message of safer sex across in a positive approach."

Julie Douglas, Marie Stopes International:
"We are delighted to support National Condom Week. We are particularly pleased that this year’s campaign is targeting young people and making them think about the need to protect themselves. These messages cannot be repeated enough, and must be heard and acted upon if we are to begin to tackle the unprecedented rates of unplanned pregnancy and infection that affects our young generation."

Lisa Power, head of policy, Terrence Higgins Trust:
"National Condom Week is a perfect opportunity to raise awareness of safer sex. Most of us have sex eventually as we grow up and we want young people to be knowledgeable and confident about protecting themselves, for when it happens. We also want them to know that they can contact THT if they need advice or support around any issue to do with sexual health."

Let's Celebrate School Nursing - Julie Wray

Monday 12th May is National Nurses Day, a great opportunity to celebrate nursing and nurses across the UK. One example that springs to mind in relation to young people and sexual health education is the role of school health advisors (school nurses). School Nurses do an amazing job, often low profile and hidden in terms of accolades and awards. Nevertheless they are out there doing fabulous work and really contributing to the education of young people. It can be a very challenging role and sex and relationship education (SRE) in schools however delivered and undertaken can and does affect young people for life.

So we're taking this opportunity to highlight the school nurse's excellent work in SRE, and on National Nurses Day Contraception Education celebrates School Nursing.

"Doing it for fun" by Owen Roberts

I have often found young people, so accustomed to being judged, frequently anticipating what a sexual health service will think of them.

From the reception desk, I have often observed young people display penitence to rival that of a novice in holy orders. "This won't happen again... I feel so stupid... oh no, I don't need the opening times, I won't be here again", all confessed with eyes cast downwards. This is clearly meant to disarm the disapproving service, so they won't be unkind to them and regard them as one of the undeserving, irresponsible sort. This used to sadden me so much; their experience of services, or the reputation of services, or the community's values which they felt were represented by the service, must have made such an approach seem expedient or appropriate. The idea that there is such a thing as an undeserving, irresponsible service-user out there reflects a host of negative ideas about young people and sex that "the age of permissiveness" has yet to sweep away, or is no way near as embedded as is often claimed! Similarly, in a consultation with a young man recently, we were discussing why people have sex and he was quick to "reassure" me: "oh no, I mean, you don't just do it for fun!"

It just goes to show that there is still a long way to go before a healthier message about sex gets really out there among young people.

Owen Roberts
Development Manager - Young People's Sexual Health Services Crickets Lane Clinic Ashton-under-Lyne
OL6 6NG
0161 343 0303

Moving beyond the birds and the bees by Jackie Behan

I enjoyed Julie Wray’s discussion of language in particular what we call our body parts last week. It made me think how crucial the issue of language is in sexual health and how often in this country we find it easier to use words and phrases which confuse, rather than clarify.

It reminded me of the comments of young people made in a video booth consultation we carried out when we moved premises. I should add that I work for Brook Manchester, a free, confidential young people’s sexual health and advice service, and part of a national network of Brook centres http://www.brook.org.uk/.

We asked young people how they would improve sex and relationship education and one young women offered this evaluation of the SRE delivered in her school, “it’s just the birds and the bees, what’s that all about?”

Indeed, what is that about? I was surprised to see what feels like such an old fashioned and also oblique phrase still be used by young people today. I was certainly disappointed that this young person was receiving SRE that left her feeling so short changed.

Across the UK through it’s clinical services, its campaigning and lobbying work, and its outreach and education work, Brook and its partners are facilitating a shift away from SRE which leaves young people feeling ill equipped to navigate modern relationships and lacking the skills to negotiate safer, more pleasurable sex.

We want to see programmes that offer a broad range of both skills and knowledge being embedded into the curriculum and beyond. We have seen at first hand how they can develop a young persons’ confidence, their emotional resilience and their ability to reflect upon risk and the impact this might have on their life.

We want to move from comments like that to this resounding evaluation by one young women of a programme Brook Manchester delivered in a school non-attenders’ project.

“I learnt not be ashamed of my sexuality.”

I think I can hang up my hat when all young people describe their SRE in terms like that!

Jackie Behan
Outreach Manager
Brook Manchester
Email: jackieb@brookmanchester.org.uk

"Down there!"

Finding the right words, Julie Wray comments....

If you have ever been involved in teaching or facilitating sex education with young people, then you will know that using the right words, the ones that make sense and relate to young people, is crucial. In fact, I would say that in all my work in health care most people or service users prefer easy to understand language and meaningful words when explaining health matters that concern them.

I find it fascinating then that so many people use alternative words, essentially codes for the naming of body parts and especially genitals, our "private parts". One example has always stuck in my mind. When I was visiting a family as part of my role as a community practitioner and I happened to say in conversation that I had a niece called Lily, the person I was talking to was absolutely horrified and said "Oh no! Not Lily. That’s our family word for vagina! I was surprised and wondered why people do this.

I have always known the vagina as vagina, penis as penis but for many people all over the world the right words are the wrong words and a more palatable coded word is used. But then later in life it’s like they have to unlearn and re-name our body parts.

Why is that?
Let us know what you think.

Kathy and Walter Rhoden

In this week's post Barbara Hastings-Asatourian pays tribute to Kathy and Walter Rhoden.

This is so sad, dedicated to Kathy and Walter, who both died suddenly in Florida on 30th March whilst out on their Harley. It's only now that I appreciate just what an impact they have had on so many of our lives. Family and friends have been posting condolences and memories on http://www.kathyandwalterrhoden.info for over a week now, and there are hundreds, everyone touched in a lovely way by Kathy and Walter's uniqueness.

Kathy worked as a GP in Wath on Dearne, and I met her as part of the extended Siam Care team. We both spoke at the conferences in Thailand in 2004, 2006 and 2008, and visited Siam Care in Mukdahan togejavascript:void(0)
Publish Postther. Kathy was great fun to be around and laughed such a lot. She was committed to understanding young people, and improving young people's sexual health. I remember the BITE project in 2003/4, touch screen technology, then I remember our plans to work together, and the engaging sessions working with adolescents and understanding the needs of young people. She was really passionate about her work.

In January 2008 I met Walter, Jamie, Emily and Olivia in Thailand, first we spent a week in Bangkok, and then another in Mukdahan with our sponsor children. Walter presented a session on sex and the heart at the conference in Bangkok, and I really liked his dry humour. I have a particularly clear memory of him holding a stack of our passports, and systematically taunting us about the state of our passport photos.

Jamie, Emily and Olivia you are such a credit to your mum and dad, and I am thinking about you all the time. I hope that we can help you somehow, and that the love of your family and friends will help even in a little way to help you get through.

This week Julie Wray discusses the power of Rap music ‘Rap can play a positive part in giving out safer sex messages’.. You just have to listen

Normally I can’t stand rap music all that thudding and noise with foul lyrics – gross! My sons love it and they try to tell me that if I simply listened properly to the lyrics I would get it. I am reluctant to admit that it could be a sign of ageing on my part… but I don’t think so, I have not enjoyed most of what I have heard despite constant exposure to the stuff! Anyway the other day my son said listen to this track mum.. It is cool and there is a positive sexual health message for young people, you would like this one! He even suggested that Contraception Education considers using it as a signature track. The song in question is by Dr Evil called STD. Check it out:




In fact, I liked it and yes the lyrics are positive and there is a useful message for young people (well all people). Funny that something so simple can be so effective and that listening properly to the lyrics of a rap song shows that there is power in music. Maybe I need to listen more carefully in future and not judge all rap the same….. Like the saying ‘never judge a book by its cover’. I came across a research paper that explored rap music and sexual health with young people in the USA; it showed that rap has a major role to play within youth culture. I guess what we need to do is embrace the good messages and support the songs/tracks that rap has to offer.

This week-end's "Dead Donkey"? or should we be worrying? Julie Wray discusses media coverage of a teens party in Lancashire.

Did anyone see the emotive headline in the Daily Mail or Mail on Sunday ‘School arranges morning-after pills for girls of 14 after end-of-term party descends into drunken orgy’?

I was quite shocked by the coverage of this story. You can access the news item at : http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=541149&in_page_id=1766&ito=1490

In summary, the news piece was based upon the alleged outcomes of an organised party held at the village institute in Wray, on the edge of the Forest of Bowland in Lancashire, by Year 11 pupils from Queen Elizabeth School in nearby Kirkby Lonsdale. It would seem from the Mail’s coverage that these young people were unsupervised, drinking heavily and having unprotected sex ….to quote the article ‘during the unsupervised party the hall was badly damaged and nearby residents were horrified when the revelers spilled out into the street, among them a boy stripped to his boxer shorts and scantily-clad girls. It went so far out of control that the school has taken the dramatic step of writing to all parents graphically describing what went on’.

It goes on to say that ‘After complaints from villagers, the comprehensive's deputy head, Alison Hughes, wrote to parents in stark terms. Along with "significant and harmful quantities" of drink, the children had also taken illegal drugs. Mrs Hughes added that underage sex among the partygoers - aged between 14 and 16 - had been widespread and warned that some of them may be at risk of pregnancy or sexually-transmitted diseases. She said most of the girls who had unprotected sex "were too drunk to be in control of themselves. The risks are real. Assume the worst." The girls were referred for sexual health care. '

There are many issues within this story worthy of comment and debate such as the obvious ones alcohol, drugs and sex. Lets be honest here access and participation in all of these activities has taken place for many decades, amongst teenagers and young people (and beyond).

A few questions I have are: How could such an event be booked and planned based on a few forged signatures? What role did the parents play? Were the police called? Who funded this event? Where did the young people get their money from?

The comments section of the Mail’s piece is quite illuminating, the general theme and tone being moralistic and disapproving of the whole event. Do these people choose to forget their own youth? Are they viewing our youth harshly? I think that quite possibly this story has been blown out of all proportion and that other facts have not been disclosed by the newspaper.

It seems to me that it is the habit of newspapers to seek to denigrate our youth culture and report events in alarmist and negative ways. What do you think? For example do you think that the deputy head teacher was right to share her concerns with parents? And to suggest ways to protect young women from the harmful effects of unprotected sex?

Julie Wray on SKINS

I (JULIE) am an absolute addict of the TV show ‘Skins’, it is brilliant. It is one of the few TV programmes where I simply find myself glued to the box!! In fact quite often I watch it with my teenage son and it provides an excellent trigger for us to talk and laugh about the issues. For anybody who has not seen it, this is a British teen drama aimed at young adults which in my mind is at the forefront of growing up in contemporary Britain. It is fast-paced and full of angst-ridden fun, this British drama is based on a group of Bristolian teenagers and their personal struggle with highly-charged issues of race, religion, sexuality, drugs and food disorders.

The issues are real and engaging – the story lines are not far fetched and the humour is amazing. For too long now we have become swamped by reality shows, for young people this makes me sad. Skins is a breath of fresh air. There are some excellent story lines, great acting and the issues covered are handled in a realistic and sensitive way. I think that this show could provide a superb education avenue for teachers, parents, young people and anyone concerned about young people. If nothing else have a look or visit http://www.channel4.com/video/skins/.

Julie Wray on RU Thinking

Following on from last weeks blog on the ‘frisky fifties’ and the survey that found a lack of sexual health knowledge in this group of people, I (Julie Wray) have been reminded about how many adult people who are under 50 years of age fall into this category of uninformed sex education. Over the past few years working with Contraception Education I have noted that when talking to people they are happy to share their experiences of sex education, or lack of it, quite freely. This usually revolves around their experiences of sex education at school and then of course with their parents (or not). All too often their examples of good information and knowledge acquisition are poor. Mostly this whole process has been in an ‘ad hoc’ form during their adolescence and adulthood. This in my mind is worrying as ignorance or lack of information creates situations that could be avoided such as coerced sexual relationships, unplanned pregnancy and unexpected sexually transmitted infection to name just a few. I am baffled at times as to why open, frank and healthy sex education in our schools is something to fear. Of course some schools do a great job in this area and Contraception Education has over the past 5 years or so played a key role in some cases. But there is much more to do within our schools so that it is the case that the majority are informed and educated.

With the advent of the world wide web, children and young people can access some amazing and informative web sites for information. Contributions by young people to many of these sites are encouraged and valued. More often than not when I visit one of these web sites I learn something new. One striking observation from my perspective is the discourse used and the way in which information is presented. One that I find very useful is RU Thinking see: http://www.ruthinking.co.uk/. This site with its ‘Lad Pad’ and ‘Lady Lounge’ sections is young person friendly but actually could be useful for parents, teachers, youth workers etc. Even, dare I say, a good site for the frisky fifties!!
Contraception Education aims to facilitate sex education and related information to anyone. We provide an excellent links page that promotes other organisations and their web sites so that people can access a range of sources and contacts. We are keen to promote safe and positive sex education, so if you know of a good web site or organisation that fits into our ethos please let us know.

Julie Wray on the "Frisky Fifties"

Today I was looking for some information on sexual health and by chance came across a news item ‘Frisky fifties put sexual health at risk’. This caught my eye and I had to read on. The news story was based on a survey done for SAGA, that found one in 10 sexually active over-fifties did not use any form of contraception which would help stop them catching sexually transmitted infections, and did not know about their partner's sexual history. The piece goes on to state that there is an increase in sexually transmitted infections amongst the over-45s as a result of risky sexual behaviour among those not in stable relationships. Figures from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) show that rates of chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, herpes and warts have all risen between 2002 and 2006.

The news item offers a couple of quotes:
"Forget about the 'dirty thirties' or the 'naughty forties' - the frisky fifties are having the most fun by swapping the boardroom for the bedroom."

"However, while a healthy sex life is a good thing, the over-50s must be wise to their sexual health, as well as their overall health."

This made me think about the kind of sex education people over 50 would have had and how useful it was given the results of this survey. If ‘older’ people have had poor sex education is it little wonder that our young can flounder too!!

Contraception Education is motivated towards promoting healthy relationships and sex education especially amongst young people and in our schools. Maybe there is scope for us to engage with all age groups and work with over 50/s. What do you think?

Sexual health and working with boys and young men

Julie Wray presented some findings of working with boys and young men in Manchester at a showcase event at Brook Manchester recently. One of the key findings was the increase in the numbers of boys and young men over the past 10 years who access sexual health services.
This is amazing and a very positive message that shows how responsible and concerned boys and young men can be about their sexual health and wellbeing.

All too often boys and young men can be overlooked or missing from government policies and strategies. For example the teenage pregnancy strategy includes very little reference to young men or father’s, in fact they are mostly excluded. Evidence and reliable information about the uptake of sexual health services by boys and young men is rather minimal. It is time that this changed. The people I speak to claim that in reality boys and young men do access services and seek to care for themselves. Often though boys and young men prefer to see a male worker and it is important that sexual health services respond to this issue.

TEENAGE PREGNANCY TRENDS

At a conference organised by the Sex Education Forum in Manchester in February I was mesmorised, as I'm sure many other delegates were, by the statistics - for example "overall the trend is down" and "on average the downward trend is not on target", but when closely examined for example Tameside's stats show an 11% increase, whereas Hackney is well ahead of target with a 20+% decrease.

What is the use of averaging out statistics over the whole country when clearly the issues are very different even in wards? Is there anything to be gained by seeing an overall downward trend, rather than maintaining a clear focus on both the Tamesides and the Hackneys, so that good practice can be shared and the real issues appreciated?

Siam Care Conference January 2008

DAY 1

What a privilege it was to have Khunying Kobchitt Limpaphayom, from the Thai College of Obstetrics and Gynae to open the conference today and contextualise for us the specific sexual health issues of Thailand. Then Adrienne Blomberg, Siam Care's Director in Thailand did an offical welcome with a presentation which highlighted the contrasts in health, welfare and the economy of Thailand.

Angela Robinson, Member of the UK Department of Health's Chlamydia Screening Programme, who is a GUM consultant for Camden PCT, and Honorary Senior Lecturer at University College London presented next and gave a global context. The messages I took from this were firstly that there are 120 million people that we know of worldwide who do not want another child yet are not using contraception, and secondly that of the 33.2 million people infected with AIDS worldwide, 22.5 million of them are in sub-saharan Africa.

Khun Mechai Viravaidya presented next. A legend in Thai Sexual Health Care - who has had his first name, Mechai, adopted on the streets as slang for condom, gave an overview of sexual health Thai Style, including advice to get down there with the population and create events of interest and with some form of attraction for the people. He spoke of Cops and Rubbers, Vasectomy Days, Condom Nights, peer education projects, the use of the Restaurant Codoms and Cabbages, and Birds and the Bees Events, and demonstrated how all of this proactive work resulted in changes in behaviour and attitude.

Emile Morgan, Clinical Director of Bolton PCT, then delivered an interactive session GUM live raw and uncut, in which he highlighted how straightforward it should be for G.Ps and Primary Care to take sexual histories and to manage genital herpes, genital warts, discharge and HIV. He presented a case study of a patient presenting with genital warts and asked what three GP delegates would do. The answer was for straightforward warts to prescribe self applied Warticon (least expensive) and later Aldara (more expensive) for up to 16 weeks. If warts are intra meatal however they should be referred early for cryosurgery. If there is no response after 16 weeks then refer to GUM for either diathermy or liquid nitrogen treatment. Keratotic warts should always bereferred to GUM. Differential diagnoses - moluscum contagiosum need not be treated, although it is up to the patient, as they will go on their own. Skin tags are sometimes confused with warts, and can be removed in minor surgery - sometimes tags do have warty changes.
The point was made that warts can have a long incubation period of 12 months, and this can be difficult to explain in relationships, and threatens trust about faithfulness if not fully explained.

Next came Dr Will Ford - Young, GP in Macclesfield who presented an overview of where primary care can work well, where it has to be autious and where mistakes can be made and rectified.

Anne Greenwood,Clinical Director for Sexual Health and Family Planning in Lancashire ave an overview of the effects different contraceptives have on HIV acquisition, transmission and progression, plus interactions between hormonal contraception and anti-retroviral therapy. She presented facts, charts and evidence for each method of contraception (UKMEC1,2 AND 3)

The WHO has identified that male circumcision may reduce the acquisition and spread of HIV. In this session Christine Evans controversially presented a number of papers, some contradicting the WHO, some concurring, and raised the issue of whether it is ethical to violate a child too young to consent.

During the afternoon we heard from Dr Sris Allan on the key issues related to HIV and Vertical Transmission - the key mesaages were around childbirth and breastfeeding, and the necessity for Caesarean delivery, as tranmission rates are 30-40% if breastfeeding, 15-20 for non breast feeding, 8% during pregnancy and 15% during labour.

Kathy French spoke about the extended role of the nurse within the specialist field of sexual health and how these skills can be best utilised to provide quality services.

Paddy Horner presented on Urethritis, its aetiology, cause and management.

Nuntawun Yuntadolik, a Social Scientist who is deputy director of the AIDS division of the Thai Ministry of Public Health presented her research on the sexual health issues surrounding Thai Seafarers.

Anthony Pryce's first session was entitled Theorising the Pox, drawing on recent research on the social construction of male sexualities in the field of GM, the notion of the active patient providing the basis for identifying how a systematic sociology of sexual health and disease might be constructed.

DAY 2

Tuesday 15th January’s morning session had the theme Sexual Health and Uro-Gynaecology and was chaired by Paddy Horner and Anne Greenwood .

The session covered Genital Dermatology with Jyoti Dhar, who gave an excellent and comprehensive overview on genital dermatoses, pitfalls and advice on how to pragmatically manage these conditions.


Sex and the Heart by Walter Rhoden, a consultant cardiologist examined the effect of sex on the heart, especially the weakened heart, with a particular focus on managed erectile dysfunction. He showed how although Testosterone was once thought to be responsible for cardiac conditions, it is now known not to be the case. Another misconception is that having sex is responsible for many cardiac deaths, whereas in reality coital death accounts for only 0.6% of all sudden deaths , and sexual activity is a likely contributor in 0.9% of Myocadial Infarctions’s. Although sex can trigger MI the increased relative risk is 2.5
And regular exercise greatly reduces risk of triggering MI. Walter also spoke of some misconceptions about the dangers of Viagra, and showed which people would be at risk, and the drugs it adversely reacted with.


Sex Management in Elderly Men with the media Dr Love Pansak Sugkraroek, who discussed the fact that men also have hormones, as they approach maturity may need help with maintaining these, and learning about a different kind of intimacy which comes with maturing . He focussed on the importance of staying well and good communication between couples.


HPV and Cervical Cancer prevention with Nikki Seddon, gave a very comprehensive view of cervical cancer and looked positively at the new vaccine, with debate about its introduction and reach.


Lower Genital Tract and use of Ultrasound by Ahmos Ghali looked at the advantages of this non-invasive technology in both man and women, and how it is very useful in the diagnosis of many genital tract conditions presenting in GUM. He highlighted how it can be a great reassurance of the absence of significant pathology for patients with chronic pelvic pain.

Managing Vesico-Vaginal Fistula with Dr Christine Evans finished the morning sessions with a global view of this condition and some case studies from her work in Iraq, Kurdistan and Ethiopia.

Tuesday afternoon focussed on Marginalised Groups. It was chaired by Olwen Williams and Barbara Hastings-Asatourian

The first session was presented by Sue Reed a nurse practitioner in Kent, but is also very interested in all things complementary, and is training in homeopathy. She spoke of how PMS affects 85-97% of women of reproductive age from 2-14 days before a period starts. Symptoms may be severe enough to disrupt daily life for 3-5% of women.

Physical symptoms include breast tenderness, fluid retention, appetite changes, carbohydrate cravings,weight gain, swelling or bloated sensation (swollen face, abdomen, fingers), acne or skin rashes, headaches, constipation or diarrhoea, changes in sleep patterns – often insomnia, palpitations, muscular stiffness or aches & pains, abdominal pains or cramps, pelvic heaviness, backache, exacerbation of epilepsy, migraines, asthma, rhinitis and urticaria

Psychological changes include anxiety, irritability, violence, clumsiness or poor co-ordination, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness and changes in sexual interest.

Sue went through all of the conventional treatments before discussing in depth some small but noteable trials of the following homeopathic treatments. Lachesis mutus, Natrum muriaticum, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla pratens, Sepia officinalis, Calcarea carbonica and Chamomilla

Mala Morjaria is a specialist practitioner/midwife and Nurse Practitioner specialising in Primary Care Sexual Health. She is responsible for developing and supporting practice based interventions in general practices, supporting practice nurses and primary care professionals. Mala gave a deeply painful session on Female Genital Mutilation, coving its prevalence and the impact it has on sexuality and childbirth. She showed some very disturbing but necessary video footage to demonstrate the effects of the practice on young women in many parts of Africa.


Justin Gaffney then introduced his newly launched charitable organisation Soho Boyz

Anthony Pryce,our resident Sociologist, then delivered his second session of the conference, Suede Shoes

Anne Greenwood delivered her second session on Managing Rape and Sexual Assault in GUM. She focused her excellent session on Initial presentation to the services, Screening for sexually transmitted infections, Antibiotic prophylaxis, Immunisation for hepatitis B, HIV prophylaxis Emergency contraception, Psychological support and Forensic issues

DAY 3

Wednesday 16th January was the final day of the Bangkok leg of the conference and study tour. The morning was devoted to working with adolescent sexual health. Chaired by Emile Morgan and Brian Whitehead it kicked off with an interactive session - Adolescent health overview and Ten Teasers, delivered by Kathy Phipps, who then showed example consultations from the new “HEAR” video.

Olwen Williams gave an illustrated overview of HIV in primary Care, including how adolescents with HIV are an increasing group that require care, time and management, much of which can be delivered in primary care. Members of the audience shared their experiences on HIV testing and adolescents.

On a slightly alternative note,Brian Whitehead then showed a video produced by young people in London entitled the Blueberry Condom. The video is just 10 minutes long but shows many of the issues about condoms, what condoms protect against and how, and how unsafe sex impacts on individual relationships. There are some graphics which illustrate STI’s.

Hilary Piercy then presented “Coming to do the Sex Talk” in which she described how school based education although an important aspect of children’s education, is highly politicised and controversial and a matter of concern to a wide number of stakeholders. She presented findings from a qualitative study undertaken with school nurses in a single geographical area. In particular it focused on what were deemed to be inappropriate questions, the basis upon which the label was applied and the strategies employed in the management of such questions.

The final session of the morning was “Poke Someone Now” – a look at sex education and the web by Barbara Hastings-Asatourian. She outlined how on-line Social Networking sites have received quite a lot of bad press but not a lot of good press considering their capability of reaching vast numbers of young people in a really user friendly and attractive way. Although caution is necessary, to protect privacy and avoid abuse, Barbara Hastings-Asatourian showed examples of how sites like Myspace, You Tube and Facebook have great education potential. She also reported on a session she delivered in the on-line virtual world of Second Life, a medium with huge potential for attracting a different group of learners.

Welcome to Thailand.....

Here I am in Thailand, speaking at the 5th Siam Care International Conference on Sexual Health "East Meets West". This conference is in Bangkok, and the first 3 days are at the Pullman King Power Hotel. The second part is an adolescent conference in Mukdahan at the Ploy Palace Hotel, a study tour of local schools, a chance to see the Siam Care Team at work in Mukdahan and a visit over the border to Laos.

A short video about the AIDS work of Siam Care can be seen here

The Bangkok programme begins tomorrow 14th January and is looking excellent. I will link to any on-line papers when I can so that you can read and share what the experts have to say.

Tomorrow morning sessions are chaired by Jyoti Dhar and Kathy Phipps. The conference begins with an offical opening by Khunying Kobchitt Limpaphayom, and an overall theme of Sexual Health and HIV. We will hear UK and Thai view of Sexual Health issues, from Angela Robinson and Mechai Viravaidya.

The following session is by Bolton's consultant Emile Morgan who is looking at STI's and HIV in primary care. Will Ford Young's session is very interestingly entitled "Primary Care Cock-Ups and Dark Holes in GUM". Christine Evans is the last speaker of the morning and is presenting about the effects of male circumcision.

The first afternoon session on 14th is chaired by Angela Robinson and Will Ford Young and kicks off with Sris Allan's session on Vertical Transmission of HIV. This is followed by Anne Greenwood on Contraception and HIV, and then Kathy French who is looking at the extended role of the nursing. The final slots of the afternoon are being taken by Paddy Horner - Managing Urethritis, Nuntawun Yuntadilok - Sexual Health Care for Sea Farers and Anthony Pryce "Text us your Body Parts".

On Tuesday 15th January the morning's theme is Sexual Health Uro-Gynaecology, chaired by Paddy Horner and Anne Greenwood who will introduce Jyoti Dhar speaking about Genital Dermatology, Sue Reed Homeopathic on approaches to PMS and Pansak Sugkraroek - Sex Management in Elderly Men. Nikki Seddon will be looking at HPV and cervical cancer prevention, Ahmos Ghaly Lower Genital Tract and the Use of Ultrasound and Christine Evans vaginal fistula.

In the afternoon of 15th the overall topic is entitled Sexual Health and Marginalisation is chaired by Olwen Williams and Barbara Hastings-Asatourian. It begins with Cardiologist Walter Rhoden presenting "Sex and the Heart",then Mala Majora - Female Genital Mutilation and Justin Gaffney - the SohoBoyz and MSM innovation. Anthony Pryce is presenting about Premature Ejaculation in Bengali Men, and last on Tuesday is Anne Greenwood - Managing Rape and Sexual Assault.

The last day of the conference, chaired by Emile Morgan and Brian Whitehead, is focussing on Sexual Health and Adolescence and features Kathy Phipps, on Adolescent Health, Kathy Phipps and Richard Burack on Child Protection, confidentiality and consultations, Olwen Williams adolescent and primary care HIV, Hilary Piercy "Coming to do the Sex Talk", and Barbara Hastings-Asatourian Sex Education and the Web. There will be a panel session of all speakers at the end of the morning.