Respect Yourself focus on young men’s health
Young men should know as much about relationships and sexual health as women but don’t, according to Warwickshire’s Respect Yourself Campaign.
This week sees the start of the annual Men’s Health Week (15-21 June) – a national campaign organised by the Men’s Health Forum, which this year will focus on men’s access to health services.
It’s also a year since the Respect Yourself Campaign held the ‘Don’t be a Dick’ conference, set up to investigate why boys and young men - compared to young women - are less likely to ask for relationship and sexual health information from their GP or school nurse, or even informally from their friends, family or magazines.
They are also less likely to know about or use local contraception or sexual health services.
On the day, around a hundred local professionals looked at a range of subjects such as challenging stereotypes regarding boys, young men and young fathers; understanding how to work with them more effectively; and how to best understand their sexual health and emotional needs.
As a result of the conference, many delegates put their learning in to practice. For example, the Ley Group in North Warwickshire have applied for, and been awarded, a grant to develop a young men’s group.
Elsewhere, the Warwick District Sexual Health Group have included boys and young men’s work as a priority in the District Action Plan.
Others have re-thought how they deliver their services, making them available in less formal surroundings such as college bars, while some have found it easier to talk with boys and young men because of the skills learns at the conference workshops.
Jenny Whateley, Respect Yourself Campaign Co-ordinator, said: “We are delighted that professionals have put in to practice what they have learnt from the conference, encouraging more young men to speak up about their relationship and sexual health concerns.”
“If you’re worried about talking to health professionals about things like contraception or Sexually Transmitted Infections don’t be, as all conversations are confidential and no one will judge you.
“The Respect Yourself website – http://www.respectyourself.info - provides details of local clinics, pharmacies and other services that could help, as well as useful information about relationships and sexual health.”
To find out more information about the Respect Yourself Campaign or to get in touch with your local sexual health service, visit http://www.respectyourself.info.