speakeasy
Research has shown that sex and relationships education can raise the age young people first try out sexual activity, cut the rate of teenage pregnancies and abortion, and lower the rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Most young people want to hear the facts from their parents or carers and be able to talk with them about body changes, feelings and boyfriends/girlfriends, yet many parents and carers feel embarrassed or are not sure what to say.
Speakeasy will help you feel more confident talking to your children about sex, relationships and growing up. It’s a Family Planning Association (FPA) course for mums, dads and carers of children of all ages. It’s a fun and relaxed and is delivered over 8 weekly sessions. In addition the Speakeasy course is accredited by the Open College Network so you have the option to gain an award which could help you go onto further training or employment.
For more details log on to www.fpa.org.uk or contact Laura Gibson on 01387 272751 or email [email protected] .
About Speakeasy
Speakeasy offers a non-threatening group based opportunity for parents to learn together and acquire the confidence and skills they need to talk to their children about sex, relationships and growing up. It is designed to be fun and relaxed, providing an atmosphere where parents can learn together from their own experiences. It is locally organised and can link with educational, community and/or health provisions in a particular area.
Backed up by the Family Planning Association’s (fpa) extensive training resources and training expertise, the course offers a flexible and relaxed way to gain greater confidence in an area that can cause embarrassment and awkwardness for parents and carers. Creative methods are used within our groups including collage and artwork, role play and games as well as more traditional written work for those who wish. The emphasis is on making the courses as accessible as possible for those who will benefit.
The main aims of the courses are
- To encourage parents to provide positive sex education in the home
- To encourage parents to take on the role of “sex educator”
The course objectives are as follows
- Establishing groups of parents to work with
- Identifying participants needs and fears, concerns and hopes, as parents or carers
- Providing a safe and comfortable environment for learning – one that is open and conducive to dealing with sensitive issues
- Helping parents access relevant information and support to help them in their role as sex educators
- Developing parents’ confidence, sensitivity and skills in relation to their children’s sex education
The Speakeasy course is registered for accreditation with the Open College Network (OCN). For those who wish, the course and resulting portfolio based work can be used to gain OCN credits that can offer a pathway for entry into further education. A Speakeasy programme usually lasts for 8 weeks including a taster session. Course structure may vary in detail and timing according to the needs of the parents. Tasks may be set after each of the sessions. The additional time spent researching and compiling portfolios will count towards the required time for OCN accreditation.
Course venues will be chosen to maximise accessibility and provide the right environment for parents to feel comfortable. Course timings will be decided according to local need. Creche facilities will be considered but this may not always be possible.
Typical course outline
Week |
Activities |
1 |
Introductions, ground rules, fears, hopes and expectations. Understand the physical and emotional changes boys |
2 |
Understand what sex education means in the context of family life. |
3 |
Understand how to respond to the needs of children in relation to sex and relationships education in the context of family life. Learning opportunities and useful resources. |
4 |
Understand social and cultural attitudes towards sex and sexuality as they relate to children. Stereotypes found in the media. Outside pressures upon young people. |
5 |
Understand the different methods of contraception that are available. |
6 |
Understand different sexually transmitted infections. Methods for safer sex. |
7 |
Understand strategies for keeping children safe from harm. |
8 |
Understand sex and relationships education in schools, taking account of statutory and non-statutory guidance in education. |
Learning outcomes
The courses have specific learning outcomes but the structure and content of the course are needs-led in order to satisfy the particular requirements of each group. The participative and experiential style of learning is vital for a community-based programme as it gives ownership to the work.
By the end of the unit participants will have:
- An understanding of the physical and emotional changes taking place at puberty
- Awareness of what sex education means in the context of family life.
- Confidence and skills in identifying and responding to the needs of their own children.
- Explored societal and cultural attitudes towards sex and sexuality as it relates to children
- Knowledge of the different kinds of contraception that are available
- Gained information on sex and relationships education in schools
- Gained information and knowledge on child protection strategies
Peer Education
A programme of peer education is being developed whereby parents who successfully complete the speakeasy course may be supported in sharing their learning with other parents in their local communities.
For more information on Speakeasy visit https://www.fpa.org.uk/professionals/resources/ or contact us on 01387 272751