Why choose this course?
- the Human Rights Act states that all citizens have the right to a family life, many people with a physical impairment have found that right curtailed
- expectations of the non-disabled society and judgements about the quality of life of a person with physical impairments have often exerted great influence over their ability to form and sustain personal and sexual relationships
- the Sexual Offences Act makes it clear that consent to sexual activity can be given provided a person has capacity, and the Mental Capacity Act reinforces that capacity is assumed unless proved otherwise
- workers may need to be supported to see beyond their own expectations in order to fully support the users of their service
- practitioners are not always aware of the range of sexual aids and information available to support personal and sexual relationships
- see video resources list below
Length of course: 1 day 9.30 – 4.30
Expected outcomes: by the end of the course participants will be able to
- be aware of those factors which inhibit or encourage personal and sexual relationships
- relate to common anxieties held about body image and acceptability
- understand the relationship between positive self esteem and the ability to form and maintain relationships
- evaluate and challenge the view that some parts of society have of people with impairments
- encourage self advocacy with the users of their service
- have access to a wide range of SPOD leaflets
- give advice as to the suitability of sexual aids
- feel less inhibited about discussing issues concerning sexuality and sexual health with users of their service
- pass on information regarding specialist counselling, resource and advice services
Nature of training: maximum of 16 staff members in participative group work.
Exercises will range from lecture style input (small) to discussion and small group work and individual sharing within pairs.
Hand outs will be provided to reinforce all theoretical input.
A video will support this training.
The sexual aids referred to in the SPOD leaflets will be available so that participants can share appropriate information with users of their service.
Video resources (external website):
- VIDEO: coming soon
