23 February 2008

fpa welcomes further Government funding for Speakeasy course

fpa welcomes new funding of £530K from the Department of Children, Schools and Families to continue the excellent work of its national Speakeasy project.  Speakeasy is a free course giving parents and carers the information and skills needed to talk to their children about sex and relationships.

The funding will help fpa train professionals such as parent support workers and staff in children and community centres, and schools to deliver the Speakeasy programme. This will cover local authorities and the voluntary sector across England. fpa will train 1,200 parenting professionals over two years targeting 50 areas where teenage pregnancy rates are a concern and where there is need of further support for parents.

Julia Bentley, Chief Executive fpa said:

“We’re delighted that Speakeasy is expanding in this way. Parents can find talking to their children about sex and relationships incredibly tough. They worry about this part of their children’s life but embarrassment and apprehension gets in the way of them ever discussing it.

“Before Speakeasy parents may feel it’s an impossible challenge. But on finishing, they tell us how much confidence they have, how much family communication has improved and how enjoyable the course is. They’re often surprised to find they become a portal for advice and information to other parents and children’s friends as a result of Speakeasy too!”

Children and Young People’s Minister Beverley Hughes said:

“When it comes to sex and relationships young people tell us that they would prefer advice and information to come from their mum or dad.  Government doesn’t bring up children but it does have a role to play in supporting parents and giving them access to advice and information – and the Speakeasy programme will do just that by helping parents to talk comfortably to their children about sex and relationships without feeling embarrassed.”

     -ENDS-

For further information please contact fpa’s press office on 020 7608 5265/5264
Mobile 07958 921060.

fpa (Family Planning Association) is the only registered charity working to improve the sexual health and reproductive rights of all people throughout the UK.

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