Relationships, whether they are sexual relationships, friendships, or boyfriend/girlfriend relationships, are a huge part of young people's lives and occupy much of their thinking.

However, often the decisions young people make in this area of their lives are based on a lack of knowledge, understanding and experience. This can lead to a variety of difficulties, problems and unintended outcomes.

Through the Sex and Relationships Education Programme we have developed we aim to:

➢    Provide a climate which engages young people and supports them through emotional and physical changes
➢    Provide a range of activities and information that are appropriate for young people at different ages and which promote positive sexual health
➢    Develop young people’s knowledge & understanding, skills & attitudes in terms of Relationships and Sex Education
➢    Raise young people’s awareness of sensitive and controversial issues, including teaching about STIs, HIV & AIDS

The six week programme is based on two hour sessions beginning with a meal. Each session consists of drama and role play activities to engage the group in discussion and learning on particular subjects, for example STI's, contraception, different cultural and religious views on sex and relationships and others.

During the programme a number of local sexual health practitioners, including sexual health nurses and mid-wives, will be available to offer information and advice to young people. This will also give the opportunity for young people to find out where to go for further support.

We hope that this programme will be a fun, positive experience for all those taking part and will enable young people to make well informed choices about their own life and help them to build stable, supportive, understanding relationships.

CLIMBING IS A GREAT WAY OF DEVELOPING PERSONAL AND SOCIAL SKILLS