Relationships and Sexual Health
All good relationships are based on respect, trust, and communication. It does not matter who the relationship is with.
Most people have more than one romantic relationships during their life and going out with different people helps you to find what you want from a relationship.
The most important thing, if you choose to be in a relationship with someone is that it should always be a positive experience. It won’t always be perfect as everyone’s relationships go through ups and downs.
So long as you are in a relationship built on respect, trust, communication, and they help you to feel good about yourself then your good to go.
Always remember that it is ok to end a relationship for any time and for any reason.
All people are sexual beings, no matter what their bodies can or cannot do physically or what type of support they may need from time to time or all of the time. It’s important for young people living with disabilities or differently abled young people to learn about sexuality.
Why is it Important?
Your sexual health is really important. Having good knowledge around your sexual health will help you to form healthy relationships, know how to protect yourself from unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted infections and empowers you to make positive, informed about your body and boundaries.
There a several important aspects of your sexual health to consider to ensure you keep on top of your wellbeing and personal safety.
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Develop effective communication skills to express feelings, needs, and boundaries clearly. Being able to communicate openly with a partner is crucial for a healthy relationship.
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It is really important to understand the concept of consent and the importance of respecting personal boundaries. Always ensure that both parties agree and feel comfortable with any physical or emotional interactions. See below in to find out more about consent and why it is important.
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Think about the importance of privacy and safety. Be cautious about sharing personal information, especially online, and be aware of potential risks.
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Learn about how your body changes during puberty can reduce anxiety and help in understanding yourself better. Be sure to visit Brook.org for more information on puberty.
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Understand the importance of using protection to prevent unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To find out more about the range of contraceptives available to you visit Brook.org
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Pay attention to emotions in relationships. Recognise feelings of happiness, sadness, jealousy, and anger, and learn how to handle them in a healthy way. For more information on handling your emotional health in relation to your sexual health visit Brook.org
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Understand the difference between healthy relationships and unhealthy relationships, such as mutual respect, trust, communication, and support. Learn to recognise signs of unhealthy or abusive relationships. For more information visit Brook.org
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Be cautious about what you do and share online, especially on social media and dating platforms. Be aware of the risks and ensure that online interactions are safe and respectful. For more information visit Brook.org
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Focus on building strong emotional connections based on trust and understanding. Find out more at Brook.org
Lets talk about Consent
What does it mean?
You might have heard the word ‘consent’, it means things like ’yes’, I give my permission’, ‘I agree’, and ‘I want to’. You need to understand what consent is, how to give it, and how to hear someone when they give consent.
This is especially important when it comes to being in a sexual relationship with someone. Having a girlfriend/ boyfriend/ partner should be exciting and positive.
Consent Check List
If your partner says no to anything you do, (or want to do) you need to hear them, believe them, accept it, and respect their decision.
Even if someone says yes, they are ready to do something (like kissing or having sex) and then when the time comes, they do not want to, and they say so they are not consenting.
If someone has used alcohol or drugs, they are not legally able to consent.
If you think the other person might not be able to remember the next day, they cannot consent.
You might be angry or disappointed that they have changed their mind - but if you do not stop you are breaking the law and potentially wrecking your relationship.
If you are not sure, check If they say no, stop, if they do not want to, then don’t
Check in with your partner, how do they feel?
Are they happy, having fun, having a nice time?
Do they seem worried, nervous, or uncomfortable?
Are you happy, worried, nervous, or uncomfortable?
If you are not ok why are you doing it?
Do you both want to do it?
Sexual Health
Sexual health is important for everyone. It involves taking care of our bodies, respecting ourselves and others, and staying safe. Good sexual health helps us form healthy relationships, make informed decisions, and feel empowered.
For a detailed help and advice on all aspects of sexual health and contraception visit Sexual Health Wirral or brook.org.uk
Further Support
Health Services in Schools Youth Workers
HSIS Youth Workers are a team of professionally qualified youth workers. The team currently work in Wirral Secondary Schools, Wirral Six Form and Wirral Met College
Each school/college has a designated HSIS Youth Worker that provides young people with an opportunity to access confidential support on any issues which may be affecting them.
We provide support to young people around Building Resilience, Reducing risks, Relationships, Sexual Health (including issuing condoms in some schools) Drugs, Alcohol, Emotional Health and Well-Being, Stress and Anxiety.
To get support in school/ college contact your school pastoral lead of head of year.
Brook
This service is offered to young people under 20.
We are an appointment only clinic. Same day appointments can be made via telephone or at reception during our opening times (pre-appointment assessments may be necessary).
Call 0151 670 0177 to make an appointment or for any enquiries.
Opening hours are:
Monday – Thursday: 3pm until 6pm
Friday: 3pm until 5.30pm
Saturday: 1pm until 3.30pm
14 Whetstone Lane, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH41 2QR
Website: http://www.brook.org.uk
Please be aware that we do not offer the coil/IUD or IUS and implant services may not be available on the same day.
Sexual Health Wirral - NHS
We are working hard to restore our services at this time and appreciate your patience and understanding. Our walk-in wait clinics remain suspended, but care and support is still available - find out more.
Telephone assessment line open 8.00am - 5.00pm (Mon - Fri):
Telephone: 0300 123 5474
School Nursing (Wirral)
Wirral School Nursing Service provides support for a seamless transition from health visitors to school nurses. It’s led by specialist public health nurses, qualified nurses and screeners.
What we do
Our service supports children and young people aged 5 – 19 in primary and secondary schools and home educated children, as well as their families and carers. Support is also provided to schools and alternative education providers – every school has a named school nurse.
Our team works in partnership with schools and other professionals to keep children healthy, happy and safe. They promote health and wellbeing, as well as offering the childhood immunisation and vaccination programme.
Our school nurse service works in partnership with Barnardo’s and Brook. We also work in collaboration with the Local Authority, schools, GPs youth services and many other community services to support the needs of children, young people and their families.
The service is confidential, non-judgmental and inclusive and treats all children and young people with dignity, respecting gender, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental health abilities, religion, culture, social background and lifestyle choices.
School nurses work across four teams and can be contacted on 0151 514 0219:
Birkenhead
Wallasey
West Wirral
South Wirral
RASA Merseyside
RASA Merseyside is a professional counselling and support service that exists solely to improve the mental and physical well-being of individuals impacted by sexual violence at some point in their lives. Helpline support: 0151 666 1392 Tues 6-8pm, Thurs 6-8pm, Fri 12-2pm Birkenhead 0151 650 0155 Hoylake 0151 633 2151
Community support
Telephone: 0151 666 1392
Email: rasa@rasamerseyside.org
Read more about RASA Merseyside
CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection)
CEOP is a law enforcement agency and is here to help keep children and young people safe from sexual abuse and grooming online. We help thousands of children and young people every year who have been in a similar situation to you. CEOP are unable to respond to reports about bullying, fake accounts or account hacking.
To report something to CEOP visit their website
SHOUT
Shout is an affiliate of Crisis Text Line® in the UK that provides free, confidential support, 24/7 via text. It’s the first free 24/7 texting service in the UK for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. Shout is available in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
Text SHOUT to 85258 in the UK to text with a trained Crisis Volunteer
or
Text BLUE to 85258 to get resources and sign posting information.
Every texter is connected with a real-life human being trained to bring people from a hot moment to a cool calm place through active listening and collaborative problem-solving. All of our Crisis Volunteers donate their time to helping people in crisis.