Welcome to the Term Four issue of our resource unit e-newsletter - the final issue for 2017. In this newsletter we share some of the new options we've introduced to make it easier for clients to use our services. We also share resources for teachers and community workers to support their programmes for 2018.
One of our health promoters talked recently with a New Zealand website about what parents need to know before talking with their teenagers about sex – it's a great video and adds to our resources about approaching sexuality issues with young people.
The Ministry of Education has released new guidelines on creating a healthy learning environment for LGBTQI students. (We're thrilled that some of our resources are included.)
We also have some New Zealand research about young people and the impact of their online viewing. If you're a parent or you're working with young people, it's worth checking out.
Thank you for your support as a subscriber to this e-newsletter. We wish you a safe and happy rest of 2017 and we will be back in touch again early next year.
If you would like information about any of our resources, please get in touch on (04) 802 1332 or email us.
Ngā mihi, Family Planning Health Promotion and Resource Unit
One of our Auckland health promoters talks to New Zealand website Now to Love about how to open lines of communication with young people - and keep them open - and how to have effective discussions about some of the difficult topics they face growing up.
The video is a great addition to our other parenting resources - check them out below.
Resources for talking with young people
Open and Honest is a free downloadable resource to help guide parents through talking with their child about sex and sexuality. A workbook is also available.
Ngā Kakano is a whānau guide to talking with your tamariki about sex and sexuality. This booklet is aimed at whānau with tamariki aged between 8-12 years.
The Grandparent Pack is another free downloadable resource to help grandparents who are raising their grandchildren/mokopuna.
We know the end of 2017 is fast approaching and we want to make sure you know about the tools we have available to help you plan your teaching programme for the new year ahead.
Ask for an online consultation
No matter where you are in New Zealand, you can access a one-on-one online or phone consultation service with one of our health promotion staff. We can provide advice, help, and support across a wide range of sexuality education topics.
These consultations are free of charge for teachers, school nurses, youth workers and other community workers who would like support when developing a sexuality education programme, or advice for more effective teaching and learning.
The Ministry of Education released new guidelines last month to help school leaders and teachers look at how they can create a positive learning environment for LGBTQI students. They have a number of resources available - check them out here. We're thrilled to see some of our resources included.
LGBTQI students are less likely to ask for help when they need it, have a higher risk of mental health issues and can feel less of a sense of belonging at school. The guidelines are designed to help schools create a safe and affirming environment.
As part of a larger project on sexual violence in mainstream entertainment media, the Office of Film and Literature Classification recently published a report featuring interviews with young New Zealanders. The report finds that young people value their seemingly limitless access to content online. They feel the adults in their lives are not aware of or engaged with what they are watching. Young people report learning about sexual violence from depictions in mainstream media, and while these acts are universally condemned, they still perpetuate some negative beliefs and attitudes. While expressing conflicting opinions, young people generally acknowledged that viewing this content has an impact on them, but particularly on younger viewers and victims of sexual violence. The report concludes that “better education of young people about media effects and media literacy is necessary.”
We've introduced a number of new options to make it easier for people to access our services.
Phone consultations
If clients can't get to a clinic for any reason, they are still able to book a phone consultation with one of our nurses. It's the same as having an appointment in a clinic, only it's over the phone. Clients can:
Get the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP)
Get a prescription for boxes of condoms
Get a repeat pill prescription (in some cases)
Have a pre-appointment for the IUD or implant
Talk about contraception options
Clients can book a phone appointment the same way they book a clinic appointment - by calling us or using the Ask for an Appointment form.
STI self-testing
Many of our clinics now have a self-testing option for clients without symptoms to do their own swabs. This is a quicker and more accessible way for clients to get tested, as it cuts down wait times. Clients don't have to wait for an appointment to become available, they can simply go to a clinic and if they don't have any symptoms, they can do their test straight away.
Drop-in clinics
Many of our clinics also have drop-in hours, so if a client doesn't have an appointment, they can visit any clinic during their drop-in times. Most of our services are available at our drop-in clinics, and wait times can vary. See here for more information.
Family Planning specialises in sexual and reproductive health - clinical services • education • health promotion • research • professional training
