Sexual health advice for young people
Sexual Health Week takes place 11 to 17 September and a series of events, workshops and drop-ins in Waltham Forest will address this year’s theme of pornography.
Barts Health NHS Trust with partners Waltham Forest Council and sexual health charity FPA the council will host events across the borough that young people can drop in to and discuss issues around pornography including body image, consent, and the differences between fantasy and reality.
Cllr Naheed Asghar, Cabinet Member for Public Health and the Voluntary Sector, said: “Young people can be easily confused by the messages that pornography sends. In this digital age it has never been easier for them to access pornography and this is exactly why this debate must be had.
“We want our young people to have all the facts about pornography and how it differs from reality. It is important that they do not have about unrealistic expectations around sex. What is seen on screens can be very different from real life and it is only by talking openly and honestly with our young people about sex and pornography that we can tackle some of these issues.”
Elias Phiri, a health practitioner at Barts Health NHS Trust, added: “Barts Health NHS Trust is delighted to be working with our partners to raise awareness of the importance of sexual health screening during the Sexual Health Week. We encourage and support young people to have more open discussions about subjects related to porn. It’s important to the wellbeing of young people that they have all the facts and myths about pornography and its impact.”
The events taking place in the borough are:
Sexual Health engagement & Sofa conversation - Waltham Forest College
707 Forest Road, E17 4JB
Wed 13 Sept, 9am – 4pm
STI testing Clinic with Positive East - Walthamstow Library
High St, Walthamstow E17 7JN
Wed 13 Sept, 11am – 2pm
Sexual Health Engagement- Waltham Forest College Freshers Fayre
707 Forest Road, E17 4JB
Thurs 14 Sept, 9am- 4pm
Sexual Health engagement - Sir George Monoux Freshers Fayre
190 Chingford Rd, E17 5AA
Fri 15 Sept, 9am-4pm
Sexual Health Outreach and Testing at Leyton Orient FC
Score Centre, 100 Oliver Road, Leyton North, E10 5JY
Sat 16 Sept, 12 - 3pm
Young people are encouraged to register for the C-card so that they have easy access to condoms and sexual health information.
Alternatively, contact Jacqui on Jacqui.king@walthamforest.gov.uk for sexual health advice and information on the support available in Waltham Forest or visit the Education Hub website here. Teachers can download a free FPA resource pack here or contact the charity on 020 7608 5265.