16th-22nd September is national Sexual Health Week!
This year, we want to get everyone talking about ‘Sex-Ability’ – our belief that everyone has the ability to form and enjoy intimate relationships, including people with disabilities. We’re aiming to challenge myths around sex and disability and promote better access to support services. Let’s get people talking and make the topic of sex and disability more ‘normal’ – after all, it already is!
Disabilities shouldn’t hold anyone back from having intimate relationships. Yet the topic of sex and disability isn’t often discussed in the media and rarely appears on our TV screens – something which allows misconceptions to thrive.
Common myths about sex and disability can include:
This week, we’re doing our part to challenge these myths by sharing positive stories about inclusive relationships and helping to make this topic more visible online.
Members of Spectrums outreach team will be promoting Sexual Health Week in the following places:
Wednesday 18th 9am-11am Drury Lane Centre
Wednesday 18th 9am-12.00am Barnsley Collage Main Campus
Thursday 19th 10.30-11.30am Pontefract Day Centre
Thursday 19th 12.30-14.00pm Westgate Hostel
Friday 20th 10.30-12.30 Community Awareness Programme, Wakefield
Friday 20th 14.00-16.00 Fairburn Mews (Castleford)
Relationships
Yearning for companionship is universal and we all want to enjoy being close to another person. Yet the latest research reveals that only 3% of adults with a learning disability live as part of a couple, compared to 70% of the general population.
These statistics show that people with disabilities face more barriers in finding and forming intimate relationships than other people; and in turn, this can mean that they struggle to find relationship advice or talk openly about love and sex. This week, we want to spark conversations which encourage more people to open up.
Support Services
Even for adults who are in a relationship, lack of inclusive support can make it hard to find important sexual health information – including how to access contraception, prevent unplanned pregnancy or avoid risks such as grooming and sexual exploitation.
That’s why we’re raising awareness of support services to help people with disabilities get the support they need. Love doesn’t discriminate, so why should we?
For advice about contraception or other sexual health queries, call your local Spectrum clinic or come along to a Walk-In session.
Brook are a national sexual health charity and they have produced a number of free resources and videos for use by sex education professionals and service users, you can find the links below:
Free resource guide
Brook’s Sexual Expression resource including activities and image cards
This resource, Living your Life was produced in collaboration with young people and adults with learning difficulties and disabilities, and staff working in education, health and social care settings.
Brook and Mencap guide for healthcare professionals on making services more accessible
Brooke & IPPF Films
Here are a series of short films made with young people, addressing key sexual health topics including relationships, sex and disability.
Let’s Talk About…
Brook & Fettle
Be part of the movement to normalise sex and disability. Take a kit to give a kit. Find out more at Fettle and follow #TakeOneGiveOne.
Read Brook’s position statement on sexuality, relationships and disability
BSL Film
Here are ten British Sign Language films created in partnership with SignHealth on various topics relating to relationships and sex
We're launching a staff suicide prevention campaign on 4 Feb, ‘Time to Talk’ day @TimetoChange. The campaign aims to get people in the workplace talking about mental health to prevent the risk of suicide. Over 160 org already involved. Info at https://bit.ly/3iM2a4n #WYHCheckIn
If you've had the COVID-19 vaccine, it's vital that you continue to follow social distancing guidance.
Read the latest guidance here: http://nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/social-distancing/what-you-need-to-do/
Driving in on this icy morning in January Day 1 @SpectrumCIC community vaccination centre H&SC Staff today. Heartfelt thanks to all who helped make this happen for Wakefield
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With everyone staying home - now more than ever we need your support 🏡
If you have a safeguarding concern call Mobile phone 03458 503503 😟
For more information on the signs, visit http://wakefieldscp.org.uk ⬅️
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Spectrum Head Office
01924 311400
Wakefield Sexual Health
0800 1214860
Barnsley Sexual Health
0800 0556442
Wigan & Leigh Sexual Health
01942 483188