For most of us, sex education begins at the end of primary school or high school.
But what happens if you’ve never had the chance to attend a main-stream school with a sex education program?
annecto’s Learning Hub in Yarraville have worked closely with Co Health Footscray Hobsons Bay Council and West CASA and Family Planning Victoria to develop a program for people with intellectual disabilities.
The Respectful Relationships program gives people a chance to learn about safe sex, sexual boundaries, sexual health and how to build respectful relationships with others.
“As human beings, we have sexual urges and needs. For many people with an intellectual disability, the chance to learn about what is appropriate and what isn’t, is never addressed,” explains annecto’s Western Region Manager, Joan Cooney.
This program has evolved over the last three years, into a resource that we now know to be of great importance and instruction to people.
Most recently we had four women attend the course, all of whom made strong friendships with others and expressed interest to do a 2.5 hour session offered by Family Planning Victoria in September 2017.
The program is based on small, intimate groups where people can form trusting relationships with the facilitators and the other participants.
Not all participants attend annecto’s Learning Hub, and this gives people the chance to make friends with other people they’ve not met before. So far 25 people who attend annecto’s Learning Hub in Yarraville have participated in the Respectful Relationships program.
All have gained some confidence and knowledge about sex, sexual health and building respectful relationships.Find out more about annecto’s Learning Hub here.annecto are an NDIS provider.
You can find out more about how annecto can support you under the NDIS, here.
If you have any questions about how we can support you under the NDIS, please call us on 1800 266 328 or email enquiries@annecto.org.au.
