Relationships Sexuality and Sex Housekeeping Fire exits and

Relationships, Sexuality and Sex

Housekeeping • • • Fire exits and alarms Toilets Break and refreshments Smoking Mobiles off or on silent Confidentiality 2

Learning Outcomes • Identify the differences between sexuality and sex • Recognise the rights of an individual regarding personal relationships, sexuality and sex • Have an insight into the issues faced by people with learning disabilities when expressing their rights to relationships, expressing their sexuality and having sex • Understand the key points of the legislation and policies and procedures that relate to personal relationships, sexuality and sex • Explore the impact of your job role when supporting people in regard to personal relationships, sexuality and sex 3

Introductions • Name • Where you work • In two words describe how you feel about discussing things of a sexual nature 4

What do you know? 5

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Six sexual rights 1. The right to grow up 2. The right to know 3. The right to be sexual and to make and break relationships 4. The right not to be at the mercy of the individual sexual attitudes of care providers or other people 5. The right not to be sexually abused 6. The right to humane and dignified environments 7

Sex vs Sexualty When we talk about the rights of people with learning disabilities to express their sexuality, we need to remember that it’s not about the sexual act – it’s about enabling people to be who they are, without fear of discrimination or abuse 8

Relationships & Friendships Relationships and friendships are the connection we have with a range of people, including families, friends, acquaintances, colleagues and partners. There is a growing body of evidence that suggest people with strong social networks lead healthier and happier lives 9

Sex and the law • • The Human Rights Act 1998 Mental Capacity Act 2005 Disability Discrimination Act 1995 Local Government Act 1988 – Repeal of Section 28 (2003) • Abortion Act 1967 • Sexual Offences Act 2003 • Equality Act 2012 10

Duty of Care Getting the balance right Duty to protect rights 11

Values vs Practice Staff are often seen in a position of authority and some individuals they support will often try and please the staff that support them. As professionals we must strive to support the individual to make informed choices about their lives, whilst recognising the danger of imposing our own views. 12

Local Resources and Websites Your help is needed……. In your local area, identify local resources that you can use to support your learning from today, and resources that will help the people that you support to understand about relationships, sexuality and sex. Send us the information as we are setting up a data-base on information. Thank you 13

Resources www. mencap. org. uk/advice-andsupport/relationships-and-sex Londonfriend. org. uk booksbeyondwords. co. uk/bookshop 14