FPA celebrates first year of Speakeasy project in Scotland

3 September 2009

fpa's Speakeasy project is celebrating the completion of a very successful first year in Scotland. An event on 5 September 2009 at The Trades Hall, Glasgow will celebrate with parents from Dundee, West Dunbartonshire, Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, East Lothian, Mid Lothian and Renfrewshire who have completed the Speakeasy course.

Speakeasy is a free course giving parents and carers the information and skills needed to talk to children and young people of any age about sex and relationships.

Since September 2008 Speakeasy in Scotland has reached 151 parents across central Scotland and Tayside. The project has been particularly successful in Dundee city and Angus where 65 parents have completed the course, including one group of foster carers.

Shona Robison, Minister for Public Health and Sport said: “Sexual health and relationships are an integral part of our society and it is therefore important that parents and carers feel comfortable discussing these issues with children and young people. I would like to congratulate those who have taken part in, and successfully completed, a course which will benefit not only their children but wider society.”

Speakeasy courses usually last for eight weeks and take place in a relaxed and friendly community setting. Parents learn about the importance of talking with their children in a way that is appropriate to their age.

Parents learn how sex and relationships education works in schools and about contraceptive methods and sexually transmitted infections. Speakeasy also gives parents the opportunity to gain accreditation for their work.

David Kesterton, fpa's Speakeasy Project Manager said: “We have been absolutely delighted to be working in Scotland over the last 12 months. It is great to see the benefits that attending Speakeasy is bringing to so many parents and their families.

“Because parents talk about the course with other people the knowledge they gain from Speakeasy reaches many more people than just those attending. It is really exciting to know that the project reaches out to change communities and support parents in talking with their children about sex and relationships.”

And a special announcement from television and ex Blue Peter presenter, Janet Ellis who has just become a patron of fpa: “I'd like to wish Speakeasy a happy first birthday. And give special congratulations to all the mums and dads here today celebrating their achievements on the Speakeasy course. Well done and best wishes to everyone.”

David Kesterton and some Speakeasy parents will be available for interview on the day of the event. Contact Adam Stevens on 020 7608 5264 for details.

Speakeasy in Scotland is funded by a grant from the Big Lottery Fund. For more information about Speakeasy in Scotland visit fpa's website www.fpa.org.uk.

-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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