3 August 2009

A sex and relationships programme running at South Nottingham College has been highly commended in fpa’s Pamela Sheridan Award, a national award for excellence in sex and relationships education (SRE). The SRE programme for young people with Asperger Syndrome will receive £250 worth of fpa resources.

The Nottingham based college identified that the sexual health needs of students with Asperger Syndrome could not be met by its existing SRE programme and organised for a specialised ten week course to be delivered. The programme focussed on positive, healthy relationships rather than problems, and the particular experiences of young people with Asperger Syndrome.

Working in partnership with parents and carers the programme explored sensitive issues. This included internet safety, concepts of public and private behaviour and inappropriate use of sexual language.

The programme engaged the students by using visual materials and appropriate language, reducing risks of vulnerability, exploitation and inappropriate behaviour. Through tailored group and one to one sessions, it improved the self esteem and confidence of all nine students with Asperger Syndrome. Due to the programme’s success it will become an established part of the college’s tutorial work.

Terri Ryland, Director of Practice Development, fpa said: “This is a great example of how to deliver a very specialised SRE programme. The college and consultant used a range of resources and mediums to deliver SRE to the group very effectively.”

Fiona Speirs, who delivered the programme said: “I was delighted to receive this award as it is a piece of work that is dear to my heart. People with Aspergers Syndrome are predominantly visual thinkers and need to be given access to SRE information that is presented visually alongside concrete verbal delivery.
 
“Working with colleagues based at the college proved to be a valuable learning experience for staff and students alike. It has enabled the students to have a more heightened awareness of their own sexuality and the social norms and laws that govern sexual expression with others.”

Fliss Ward, Autism Support Coordinator at South Nottingham College said: “The SRE programme that Fiona delivered was great fun, lively and engaging and brightened up Monday mornings! The programme took time to explore all those aspects of SRE that students with Asperger Syndrome often misunderstand or misinterpret. She built a rapport with students and encouraged openness and trust so that they talked and shared their ideas.

“After the programme finished, students realised that it was fine to talk to tutors and people that they trusted about relationship issues that confused them. It also provided tutors with a way to discuss difficult issues with students in an understandable way.”

The other judges, Lucy Emmerson, Acting Coordinator of the Sex Education Forum and Jane Lees, representing NSCoPSE, said: “This is an excellent example of a college working with an external provider to deliver excellent SRE for vulnerable students. This focus produced really top notch results.”

The judging panel this year was: Terri Ryland, Director of Practice Development fpa, Lucy Emmerson, Acting Coordinator of the Sex Education Forum and Jane Lees, representing NSCoPSE - the National PSE Association for advisers, inspectors and consultants.

     -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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