With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Family Planning NSW (FPNSW) have moved their sexuality and relationship courses online.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The courses aim to improve reproductive and sexual health outcomes in Lithgow and adhere to NSW Health recommended infection control and social distancing practices.
The FPNSW webinars are tailored for parents and carers and take a whole-of-community approach.
They recognise the role that the community plays in shaping a person's attitudes towards their reproductive and sexual health.
Traditionally the responsibility of sexuality and relationship education has sat almost entirely within the school curriculum, however, this doesn't account for the varying needs of young people - some of who may be disengaged from school - and also may not cater for students with intellectual disability.
According to FPNSW Director of Clinical Operations Jodie Duggan, moving the courses to an online platform allowed people across Lithgow to continue accessing sexuality and relationship education while acting in line with NSW Health advice around social distancing during this time.
"It means that we can we can continue to share expertise and advice for parents and carers, to increase their confidence to support their child or family member's personal development, education and sexuality in a positive way - and ultimately, young people will benefit from that," she said.
The online courses aim to improve reproductive and sexual health outcomes in Lithgow, where teen pregnancy rates are currently higher than wider NSW1, and STI detection rates are lower.
The courses available include information on trends, laws and issues related to adolescent's sexual health and provide strategies and resources to support teen sexual health.
They will also provide guidance on discussing sex, sexuality and relationships with young people.
Courses tailored for parents and carers of people with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders will cover topics such as disability and sexuality, preparing for puberty, decision making and safety, taking care of health and hygiene and supporting positive and safe sexual expression.
"We want to ensure that young people in Lithgow, in all cross-sections of society, are able to access improved relationship and sexuality education to help support them with their reproductive and sexual health," Ms Duggan said.
"We recognise that accessing this education in a formal school setting will not benefit everybody, and we want to incorporate parents and carers on this journey to improve their confidence in navigating these topics as well," she said.
Courses are available free of charge, made possible through the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District.
They will be delivered through webinars starting from the end of April.
Anybody wanting information on eligibility or enrolment can contact the FPNSW Health Promotion team on healthpromotion@fpnsw.org.au or visit the FPNSW website for more information.
Want to keep up to date with Lithgow news? Sign up to our newsletter and breaking news alerts here