‘Talking the Talk’

Organisers of sexual-health and wellbeing presentations in Horsham next week hope to establish the event as a regular information resource for parents and teachers.

Two free ‘Talking the Talk’ sex and health education presentations will be at Horsham College Auditorium in Baillie Street on Monday.

The first presentation, ‘Sexuality Education’, is for teachers and health professionals, from 4.15pm to 5.45pm. ‘Respectful Relationships, Human Sexuality and Protective Safety’, is aimed at parents and is from 7pm to 8.30pm.

Sexuality educator, nurse and mother of three Vanessa Hamilton will present both sessions.

Physical education teacher Rod Kirkwood said the college wanted to provide adults in the community with the skills, knowledge and confidence to talk about young people’s sexuality.

“Horsham College health and physical education department wanted to provide a free information session to help professionals working with young people in the Wimmera and to support parents with what can be a challenging part of a child’s physical and emotional development as they go through puberty,” he said.

“Vanessa is highly regarded in terms of her knowledge in the field and her own experiences and stories as a mother of teens are a great help.”

Mr Kirkwood said the later session was targeted at parents of grade five to year 12 students and aims to teach them how to have a conversation with their children about sexual health, relationships and safety, as well as tips and suggestions about what is appropriate and normal behaviour for particular age groups.

The session for teachers will cover topics including childhood development and behaviour, pros and cons associated with teaching a sexuality education curriculum and supporting children while growing up in a sexualised society.

Teachers and health professionals can book online at www.trybook.com/534250, and parents and other community members can book at www.trybooking.com/516666.

The parent session is unsuitable for children to attend.