Sex Education and support at Harlington

The law Sexual activity under the age of 16 is against the law. Even when young people are above this age they need to be careful if they have a younger boyfriend / girlfriend In reality, if young people between 13 and 16 choose to have sexual relationships, it is rare that police get involved, especially if they are being responsible. It is critical that good quality advice, guidance and help is available so that they can make safe and responsible choices . Sexual activity under the age of 13 is “statutory rape”. Boys especially need to be careful of how girls can look much older than their age. They ALWAYS need to find out how old a person is so that they don’t make a devastating, life-changing mistake

Personal development lessons Age appropriate Relationship and Sex Education including Non-sexual relationships Mutual respect and discussion before entering into a sexual relationship. Contraception Sexually transmitted infections The effect of an unplanned pregnancy on the boy, girl, baby and wider family How alcohol can increase the risk of unprotected sex Respecting anyone’s right to say “no” at any time. Watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZwvrxVavnQ

How up to date is your info as parents? Nationally only 40% of students leaving year 11 are (or have been) sexually active – the majority are still virgins The contraception we had available to us in our youth still exists but there are other, more reliable methods available such as the implant 10% of all sexually active under 25 year olds have Chlamydia. 80% of female sufferers and 50% of male sufferers have no symptoms. Can lead to infertility and other problems. Young people who are sexually active are advised to have a 6 monthly Chlamydia test so they can receive the early and effective treatment available. Do you know what a dental dam is?

Where do our children get their knowledge Your Child Friends Siblings Parents School GP CASH clinic

Expert advice With the exception of a CASH (Contraception and Sexual Health) clinic (but it’s not easy for most of our young people to get there) , none of these sources of information are totally reliable. Parents may give old fashioned advice What suits friends may not suit your child. GPs don’t always have full knowledge of contraception (and does a young person want to risk bumping into a neighbour in the waiting room?) Schools are filled with well-meaning teachers but we aren’t sexual health experts. The answer:

Free and confidential information for under 25s HERE TO LISTEN NOT TO TELL Free and confidential information for under 25s Introduction – who I am - We just want to start off by saying that we are not here to encourage young people to have sex. We are here to give young people, your young people the power of informed choices by giving them the relevant facts and figures in order to give them that power. I’m sure we would all like to think that teenagers aren’t having sex, but I think we also know that we can’t necessarily stop them. We are here to support them when the time comes and to first and foremost keep them safe. Call: 0300 300 3030

What is Brook? Contraception and sexual health services for young people All areas of sexual health and relationships Over 50 years experience Clinics all over the country Government funded

What can you get from us? Contraception and advice (including morning after pill) Advice on sex and relationships Chlamydia screening Pregnancy testing and support FREE condoms (C-Card) Advice on sex and relationships Pregnancy testing and support - referral for termination otherwise known as abortion) Nurses and Doctors, but not just nurses and doctors, there are also IAW (what does this stand for) and Education and Wellbeing Specialists – a whole range of people with specialist knowledge in young people’s sexual health – and this is from a holistic point of view meaning it encompasses you in your entirety

Why should you come to Brook? Discuss contraception options B R O K Free and confidential , Pregnancy testing Issues with periods Chlamydia screening Questions about your sexuality And much more… Ask does anyone know what ‘confidential’ means? Call: 0300 300 3030

CONFIDENTIAL Just so you know… Call: 0300 300 3030 We are confidential, this means we will not tell anyone about your visit without your permission unless absolutely necessary You don’t need to be sexually active to come to Brook We prefer you to come alone if possible We will not judge or embarrass you We are here to LISTEN not to TELL Under 16s welcome CONFIDENTIAL So here is that confidential thing again – ‘absolutely necessary’ = if we are concerned there is a risk of harm to you or another young or vulnerable person. We will always try and talk to you about moving forward, but in some situations when ‘absolutely necessary’ we would have to tell someone else even if you don’t give your permission. However, we will always try and work with you and talk to you about what our concerns are first. Sexually active – this is really important, you have a ‘sexual health’ before you start having sex, and we care about the whole picture. Come alone – this is so that you are able to talk openly with us, we would be worried if you had a friend or partner with you that they may influence what you choose to tell us. This is important in a clinical setting – with doctors and nurses – as they need to make sure your medical treatment is right, but it is also important so that you have a chance to talk openly about things with someone Judge or embarrass you – none of the people I work with do this job because we want to make fun of people, we are all caring people who would never seek to embarrass you and would never judge you This is something that has been fundamental to Brook since we started – we work with you where you are at, we aren’t going to tell you what to do unless you ask us for help or advice. We are fundamentally here to LISTEN and support YOU We also welcome under 16s – maybe little bit about sex and the law here – ask what age of consent is? 16 – however this is not in place to prosecute young people, but for their protection. The law is actually that if you are under 13, so age 12 and under, you cannot consent to sexual activity, if you are 13, 14 or 15 there is a bit of leeway in that as long as you and the person you are with is comfortable with what you are doing then we don’t have to tell anyone unless we believe there is a risk of harm to you or the other young person. Again, even if you aren’t sexually active but just have questions or want to talk, we are here for you as well. Call: 0300 300 3030

Boys…! Call: 0300 300 3030 Brook is not just for girls Answer any questions you might have: relationships, emotions, sexuality, your body and sex A variety of different condoms How to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections Male staff to talk to at our Bedford clinic Question – who is responsible for contraception in a relationship? One partner? Both partners? The person who can potentially become pregnant? Answer – everyone is responsible for themselves and for everyone else they have sex with. Not just to protect against pregnancy but also STIs Boys – it is as important for you as your partners!! We are also here for you to talk to about any questions you might have Call: 0300 300 3030

What is the C-Card? Call: 0300 300 3030 C-Card is a scheme allowing under 25s access to condoms at a variety of venues across Bedfordshire Saves you money Promotes and supports safe sex CONDOMS are the best defence against sexually transmitted infections Venues – can they get them in school? Need to add in Call: 0300 300 3030

How do I get a C-Card? Call: 0300 300 3030 Head to www.brook.org.uk/bedfordshire to find out where you can register for a card Visit the venue and tell us your age and postcode In return we will give you a C-Card which you can start using immediately Once the card is filled up we will reissue a new one Need to put on that they can get C-Card at school, and also local clinics/pick up points Call: 0300 300 3030

How Brook’s drop-in works Greeted by a friendly receptionist You will be asked your name, DOB and reason for your visit You’ll be given a number which will be called when its your turn You will have a 1:1 consultation with a member of Brook staff Greeted by a friendly receptionist/Brook staff You will be asked your name, date of birth and the reason for your visit You’ll then be given a number instead of calling out your name You will have a 1:1 consultation with a member of Brook staff Call: 0300 300 3030

Ask Brook If you have any questions about sex or relationships - ‘ASK BROOK’ service www.brook.org.uk Look on the Brook website for details on how to text or email Call FREE 0808 802 1234 (mobiles and landlines) Find us on Facebook and Twitter Call: 0300 300 3030

Any questions? Call: 0300 300 3030