Professional development and training opportunities

Since April 2018 Unity has been providing Unity Young People (UYP) training –  previously known as 4YP. The 4YP brand no longer exists in Bristol.

UYP training consists of a programme of events that are aimed at health and non-health professionals working with and supporting young people to have healthy and safe sexual relationships. UYP training is free to attend AND for those working within the BNSSG area ONLY.  To book please click on the relevant links. We require the name of your line manager to complete the booking. In the event that you do not attend your line manager will be informed. If you book a place and are unable to attend please let us know via EventBrite.

In line with commissioning agreements, priority for UYP training is given to staff working with young people in the Bristol area. Individuals from North Somerset and South Glos are encouraged to email to register an interest. 8 weeks before the event any remaining places will be offered to delegates from North Somerset and South Glos. Bristol delegates are thus encouraged to register early to avoid disappointment. These events are not open to staff working outside the BNSSG area.

Please also note that for each course there is a minimum number of delegates required in order to run the event. In the event that this number is not reached the event will have to be cancelled and any delegates booked on will be informed 1 week before.

Introduction to Working with Young People on Sex and Relationships (half day)

This training prepares those who work with young people to answer queries about sex and relationships, and to refer young people to sources of further advice and services as appropriate. It provides and understanding of the law relating to sex and relationship issues

Outcomes

• Clarifies how their role contributes to young people’s sexual health issues and local targets and priorities
• Explores issues of personal values and beliefs and the impact on professional boundaries
• Understands the law relating to sex and relationship
• Feels confident to signpost young people for relevant support

Dates:

Tuesday 26th January 2021 – 0930-13.30 – ONLINE

Click here to book

Working with young people from BAME communities

This training is delivered by Unity partners, the Terence Higgins Trust.

The learning event aims to support professionals who work with young people to explore issues relating to racial diversity and sexual health.

Outcomes:

• Provide an understanding of sexual health related racial inequalities
• Explore how to make your services more inclusive for BAME service users

• Provide tools and engagement methods to support young people with their sexual health

Dates: Please note participants MUST attend both dates:

01/03/2021 10am-12 NOON

and

08/03/2021 10am-12 NOON

Click here to book

Consent (1/2 day)

This training aims help those working with young people understand the law, the gender norms, stereotypes and cultural factors which may affect young people’s ability to consent and provide resources to help young people to develop awareness and confidence in communicate about consent with their partners.

Outcome

• Understand the range of pressures that affect the negotiation of consent in relationships
• Understand the legal framework relating to consent and the myths
• Feel confident to explore issues around seeking and receiving consent in sexual relationships
• Know where to signpost young people for further support relating to experiences of non-consensual sex

Dates:

5th March 2021 0930-13.30 – ONLINE

Click here to book

Healthy Relationships and Teen Abuse 

This training will help those working with young people understand abusive teen relationships, know how to respond effectively and safely and prevent abuse while promoting healthy relationships.

Outcomes

• Understand what domestic violence and abuse is; its forms and impacts on young people
• Understand the prevalence of abuse and the cultural context
• Identify vulnerable young people and risk factors
• Feel confident dealing with disclosures and signposting to services
• Understand how to work with, and refer on, abusive young people
• Feel confident using practical activities with young people to prevent or stop abuse

Dates:

We will be announcing dates for 2021 shortly. Please check back.

HIV awareness

This training is delivered by Unity partners, the Terence Higgins Trust.

The learning event aims to support professionals who work with young people to explore issues relating to HIV.

Outcomes:

• Provide an understanding of HIV transmission

• Discuss prevention strategies (safer sex, TaSP)

• Explore living with HIV and how to find out more through interactive group work

• Provide tools and engagement methods to support young people with their learning.

Dates:

Mon 8th February 2021 0930-1330 – via ZOOM

Click here to book

Working with LGBTQ+ Young People

This training is delivered by Unity partners, the Terence Higgins Trust.

This training event aims to empower attendees to work confidently with young people to explore issues around sexuality and gender.

Outcomes:

• Attendees will feel encouraged and supported to develop and deliver LGBTQ+ inclusive content.
• An increased knowledge and understanding of LGBTQ+ identities, reflecting on our existing understanding and unconscious bias.

These sessions have been developed in conjunction with LGBTQ+ young people.

Dates: 

Monday 15th February 2021 0930-13.30 via ZOOM

Click here to book

Pregnancy Decisions and Dilemmas ( 1 day)

This is aimed at the Young People’s Workforce-those who work directly with young people such as Learning Mentors in schools, School Nurses, Support Workers, Young People’s housing workers, Youth Workers, drug and alcohol workers, those working for young people’s charities, social workers etc.

Outcomes:

• Identify tools, strategies and support for working with young people who are pregnant or at risk of pregnancy
• Increase confidence to discuss pregnancy options with young people
• Reflect on your own views of teenage pregnancy and abortion and how they might affect your  practice
• Confidentiality and the law

Dates:

Wednesday 3rd February  2021 9.00am-4.30pm -ONLINE

Click here to book

Pornography, Sexting & Social Networks (1 day)

This training aims to raise awareness of the role social media, pornography and sexting plays in young people sexual encounters and relationships.  Through learning about the impact on young people and the legal framework relating to sexting and pornography professionals will have then explore how to respond and support young people to keep themselves safe and nurture healthy relationships

Outcomes:

• Understand the messages and impact of social media, pornography and sexting on young people’s relationships
• Understand risks including the legal implications of pornography and sexting
• Feel confident to respond to situations involving pornography and/or sexting
• Be familiar with resources available and practical tools to support young people around issues associated  with social media, pornography and sexting

Dates:

We will be announcing dates for 2021 shortly. Please check back.

 Special Educational Needs & Disability (SEND) and Relationship &  Sex Education (RSE)

Talking to young people about their sexual health can be a challenging experience. In this training, we draw on our 55 years of expertise of talking to young people about their sexual health and provide a comprehensive overview of the information that you need to know in order to work effectively in this area.

Delivering RSE  isn’t easy for everyone, this training offers a comprehensive introduction to help you develop the confidence, knowledge and skills to plan and deliver good quality relationships and sex education for young people with additional needs.

Aim: To equip those working with SEND young people with core knowledge and a framework which they can build on to deliver high quality effective relationship and sex education which ensures the best outcomes for young people with additional needs in ways that work best in the real life context of their school.

By the end of the training participants will have gained knowledge and understanding of:

• RSE and its inclusivity.
• Explore personal barriers and how they can impact on professional work.
• Laws and policies protecting and educating young people with SEND.
• The impact of language and how to use it correctly.
• Explore varying presenting techniques for how to deliver RSE to SEND students.

This training is suitable for: Teaching professionals working with young people with additional needs.

Dates: 

We will be announcing dates for 2021 shortly. Please check back.

STI and Chlamydia Screening Update (1/2 day)

Outcomes

• Understand the prevalence of STIs and chlamydia in young people
• Describe interventions that can reduce transmission of STIs and chlamydia
• Discuss the role of the Chlamydia screening programme in Bristol

Dates:

We will be announcing dates for 2021 shortly. Please check back.

STI and contraception: Myth-busting

Outcomes

• Identify common myths and misinformation surrounding STIs and contraception
• Support young people to be able to access reliable information
• Signpost young people for advice

Dates:

Thursday 11th February 2021 9.30am-1.00pm ONLINE

Click here to book

C-Card Training (1/2 day)

This is available to professionals working in the Bristol  area only.

Dates:

Tuesday 16th March 2021: 9.30am-1.30pm – Venue TBC

Click here to book

We will be announcing further dates for 2021 shortly. Please check back.

For those working in South Gloucestershire or North Somerset there are separate C card training arrangements:

South Gloucestershire:  Click here for further information on registering as a C:card provider in South Gloucershire.

North Somerset:  Click here for further information on registering as a C:card provider in North Somerset or email Kate Blakley, Health Improvement Specialist (Kate.Blakley@n-somerset.gov.uk ).

A new online training programme has been developed in partnership with Yorkshire Mesmac, Long Time No Syphilis and Prepster.

The FREE five-week online training is a pilot and part of the wider Long Time No Syphilis programme that aims to address the ongoing national increase in syphilis through a range of health promotion interventions.

The training is aimed at frontline staff and volunteers in England who may have limited syphilis awareness or will benefit from a refresher.

Over five 2-3 hour sessions participants will increase their syphilis knowledge, learn more about the LTNS programme and gain new tools and skills to deliver outreach and testing for syphilis.

Across five sessions the following will be discussed:

• An introduction to Syphilis
• A short (but important) history of Syphilis
• Understanding the prevention and control of Syphilis
• Partner notification
• Targeting populations most at risk

The sessions will be delivered in two rounds and will run for five weeks:

• Round ONE on Tuesday afternoons 2-4pm, starting Tuesday 18th August
• Round TWO on Thursday evenings 6-8pm, starting Thursday 20th August.

The online sessions will be facilitated by Yorkshire MESMAC, with support from Long Time No Syphilis and Prepster.

This event has now taken place.Please check back to see if we are delivering this again in 2021.

The Diploma of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (DFSRH) is for healthcare professionals who wish to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to deliver safe and effective sexual and reproductive health care in community, primary and secondary care settings. The programme is open to clinicians who are registered with UK regulatory body. It is open to doctors, nurses, physicians associates,  primary care pharmacists and paramedics working in primary care.

Unity runs a training programme and has FSRH registered trainers who can support anyone wishing to achieve the DFSRH. We offers clinical placements for the clinical experience and assessments stage of the Diploma.

For further information, please email DFSRH Training or visit the FSRH website.

• Unity Annual Updating Day on Contraception and Sexual Health
  • This is an annual whole day learning event delivered by Unity Sexual Health. It is aimed at GPs, practice nurses and any other health professionals in primary care working with young people or with an interest in contraception and sexual health. The aim is to support clinical professionals in delivering  effective and safe sexual and reproductive health care.
• Cost £90 .
• Date for the next event:  Tuesday 11 May 2021.
• Venue: ONLINE
• Enquiries to: Shonda Powell, Suite 313, 179 Whiteladies Road, Bristol,  BS8 2AG Tel: 01225 436 129
• shonda@spcorporateservices.com
• We held our first remote session on Tuesday 13th October (6.00-8.15pm ). This included local service updates, contraception update and STI update. To complete your evaluation or provide any feedback please email Shonda Powell.

• Lunchtime LARC fitter forums

Implant and IUC fitters forums are held regularly at Unity Central Health Clinic or, since the COVID pandemic, remotely. If you wish to attend please  email DFSRH Training

Below is the list of dates for 2020/21:

Thurs 12th November 1-2pm Contraception in over 40s

Monday 23rd November 1-2pm – Contraception in young people

Thursday December 3rd 1-2pm –IUC complications and how to manage them

Wednesday 10 February 3-4pm – this meeting is for nurse IUC fitters only

Wednesday 31 March 1-2pm – this meeting is for implant fitters

Wednesday 26 May 1-2pm – this meeting is for IUC fitters

Wednesday 28 July 1-2pm – this meeting is for implant fitters

• SRH Essentials for Primary Care Course is aimed at Healthcare Practitioners working in Primary Care settings.  It is relevant for those needing an introduction to SRH (sexual and reproductive health) and it also provides a useful update for more experienced staff.

At the end of the course, you will be able to:-

• Develop the skills and confidence to consult with patients about their sexual and reproductive healthcare needs
• Recommend an appropriate method of emergency contraception
• Review the COC, POP and injection contraceptive methods
• Carry out sexual health risk assessments
• Identify when patients are at risk of STIs

Who is this course for?

• GPs
• Nurses
• Physicians Associates
• Paramedics
• Pharmacists
• Other Healthcare Professionals working in Primary Care

For further information, please email DFSRHtraining or visit the FSRH website.

We have no 2021 dates planned for this event.

The FSRH Letters of Competence (LoC) are nationally recognised qualifications for those who wish to provide contraceptive implants or intra-uterine contraception. There are two separate training programmes aimed at doctors, nurses and physicians associates already working in general practice, community and integrated sexual health services who wish to develop the necessary knowledge, attitude and skills to support women seeking long-acting contraception:

• The Loc SDI will equip clinicians with the skills and knowledge required for  effective subdermal contraception provision and subsequent management of any complications or side-effects: including those which prompt removal of the device
• The Loc IUT will equip clinicians with the knowledge and skills required for safe insertion of intra-uterine contraception, including for emergency contraception

Unity runs a training programme and has FSRH registered trainers who can support anyone wishing to achieve these LoCs. We offers clinical placements for the clinical experience and assessments stage.

For further information, please email DFSRH Training  or visit the FSRH website .

Once you are already a LARC fitter, Unity run lunchtime meetings to support you in your role. These meetings are an opportunity to meet and network with other LARC fitters, share examples of best practice, troubleshoot common problems and discuss relevant updates.

If you are already fitting LARC ( implants or IUC), you are welcome to attend Unity-run lunchtime meetings to support you in your role. These meetings are an opportunity to meet and network with other LARC fitters, share examples of best practice, troubleshoot common problems and discuss relevant updates.

If you wish to attend please  email DFSRH Training

Below is the list of dates for 2021:

Wednesday 27 January 1-2pm – thus meeting is for Unity IUC fitters only

Wednesday 10 February 3-4pm – this meeting is for nurse IUC fitters only

Wednesday 31 March 1-2pm – this meeting is for implant fitters

Wednesday 26 May 1-2pm – this meeting is for IUC fitters

Wednesday 28 July 1-2pm – this meeting is for implant fitters

If you are a medical student or doctor and would like to arrange a placement or taster day at Unity Sexual Health, please email our Medical Secretaries .

If you are a nursing student or qualified nurse and would like to arrange a placement at Unity Sexual Health, please email our Medical Secretaries if you would like to organise a day placement or Unity Sexual Health Matron Ann Steele-Nicholson

This is an annual whole day learning event delivered by Unity Sexual Health. It is aimed at primary care and colleagues locally working within the sexual health services. The aim is to support clinical professionals in delivering  effective and safe sexual and reproductive health care.   It costs £90 for doctors and nurses working in primary care and £55 for nurses working in Unity sexual health services.

Date:  Tuesday 11 May 2021

Venue: Holiday Inn Filton

Enquiries to: Shonda Powell, Suite 313, 179 Whiteladies Road, Bristol,  BS8 2AG Tel: 01225 436 129

shonda@spcorporateservices.com

We held our first remote session on Tuesday 13th October (6.00-8.15pm ). This included local service updates, contraception update and STI update. To complete your evaluation or provide any feedback please email Shonda.

Unity are running a bespoke training session for DHI Bristol on 18 November 2020. This event is aimed at the single point of contact triage team to support them in asking about sexual health, identifying where more support may be needed and then sign-posting as appropriate.

Unity also offer training to DHI South Gloucester to discuss partnership links and provide an overview on sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment

Unity are offering a lunchtime clinical session to Compass Homeless Health – to support the clinical team respond to the contraceptive needs of their patient group.

Our partner organisation THT will be running a session on HIV awareness for BDP/ROADs in Spain 2021

1. 1. RSE Support 

Our partners Brook offer training to support schools in the delivery of RSE.

To find out more please visit their website.

Please click on the document icon at the bottom of this page to see the DfE Communication to schools on the implementation of Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex and Health Education.

As part of the Unity offer, Brook also deliver a free session which focusses on Special Educational Needs & Disability (SEND) and Relationship &  Sex Education (RSE):

Talking to young people about their sexual health can be a challenging experience. In this training, Brook draw on our 55 years of expertise of talking to young people about their sexual health and provide a comprehensive overview of the information that you need to know in order to work effectively in this area.

Delivering RSE  isn’t easy for everyone, this training offers a comprehensive introduction to help you develop the confidence, knowledge and skills to plan and deliver good quality relationships and sex education for young people with additional needs.

Aim: To equip those working with SEND young people with core knowledge and a framework which they can build on to deliver high quality effective relationship and sex education which ensures the best outcomes for young people with additional needs in ways that work best in the real life context of their school.

By the end of the training participants will have gained knowledge and understanding of:

• RSE and its inclusivity.
• Explore personal barriers and how they can impact on professional work.
• Laws and policies protecting and educating young people with SEND.
• The impact of language and how to use it correctly.
• Explore varying presenting techniques for how to deliver RSE to SEND students.

This training is suitable for: Teaching professionals working with young people with additional needs in the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire area.

Dates: 

All dates for this event for 2020 have now happened. We will be announcing dates for 2021 shortly. Please check back.

2. “Principles of good sexual health provision” – training for school nurses

Unity are hosting a series of three remote sessions ( each lasting 2 hours and 15 minutes) which have been developed bespoke for the school nursing team. The aim of these sessions is to support school nurses in responding to requests for information about STI testing and contraception and to be able to address any immediate concerns that a young person may have or sign-post as appropriate.

The dates and objectives for each session are as follows:

The Avon Group for Contraception and Sexual Health is a membership group providing training and updates for doctors and nurses who have a special interest in Contraception and Sexual Health. The group aims to provide a high quality of educational meetings (three per year) to doctors, nurses and health advisers, providing contraception sexual and reproductive health care to the populations within Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. This includes primary care and specialist services.

Please see the website for further information.

Brook are a UK-wide organisation, providing sexual health and contraception services for everyone under the age of 25 years.

An important part of this work has been providing training to adults working with young people in a range of settings- from health professionals to teachers and youth workers.

Please see the Brook website for further infortmation https://www.brook.org.uk/our-work/category/training-for-professionals

Brook are Unity’s partner organisation who are responsible for delivering all the C-card training in Bristol and many of the UYP training events such as:

• Level 1 Sex and Relationship Education (1/2 day)
• Consent ( 1/2 day)
• Healthy and Relationships Teen Abuse ( 1 day)
• Pornography, Sexting and Social Networks ( 1 day)

To prepare those working with young people to run C:Card registration points which make it easier for them to access condoms when they need them and increasing opportunities for them to talk to trained workers.

Unity@Brook provides C-card training for professionals working in the Bristol  area only.

Dates:

Thursday 19th March 2020: 9.30am-1.30pm at Unity@Brook, The Station, Silver St, Bristol BS1 2AG

Click here to book

Thursday 21st May 2020: 9.30am-1.30pm at Unity@Brook, The Station, Silver St, Bristol BS1 2AG

Click here to book

Tuesday 7th July 2020: 9.30am-1.30pm via ZOOM

Click here to book

Friday  18th September 2020: 9.30am-1.30pm Venue TBC

Click here to book

Tuesday 17th November 2020: 9.30am-1.30pm – Venue TBC

Click here to book

Friday 22nd  January 2021: 9.30am-1.30pm- Venue TBC

Click here to book

Tuesday 16th March 2021: 9.30am-1.30pm – Venue TBC

Click here to book

For those working in South Gloucestershire or North Somerset there are separate C card training arrangements:

South Gloucestershire:  Click here for further information on registering as a C:card provider in South Gloucershire.

North Somerset:  Click here for further information on registering as a C:card provider in North Somerset or email Kate Blakley, Health Improvement Specialist (Kate.Blakley@n-somerset.gov.uk ).

Terence Higgins Trust offer events as part of UYP training on  Working with young people from  LGBTQ+ or BAME communities

UWE Bristol currently run two degree level integrated sexual health modules suitable for practice nurses and allied health professionals:

• Promoting Sexual Health in Practice http://courses.uwe.ac.uk/UZVSQA203

This module is taught over 5 consecutive days at the Glenside Campus of UWE, Bristol and provides an overview of sexual health issues including: contraception, STIs, pregnancy options, sexual violence and difficulties, values and attitudes and sexual history taking. Students have 3 months to complete a 3000 word essay. This module is worth 20 credits at first degree level and is also available to study at Master’s level.

• Integrated Practice for Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare http://courses.uwe.ac.uk/UZVRVC203 This 20 credit module supports nurses to achieve the DFSRH (1.1) and is suited to nurses who have existing sexual health nursing knowledge and experience, access to regular consultations of a sexual health nature and a mentor in practice. The module is run over 9 months with a start date in January at UWE Glenside. The majority of the learning is online and in practice with only 3 taught days at UWE Glenside.

For more information including part funding opportunities contact Hettie.lean@uwe.ac.uk

Health Learning Partnership offer education for GPs and primary care practitioners in and around Bristol.

The course list can be found here.

E-learning for health programme on sexual and reproductive healthcare http://www.e-lfh.org.uk/programmes/sexual-and-reproductive-healthcare/

E-learning for health programme on sexual health and HIV http://www.e-lfh.org.uk/programmes/sexual-health-and-hiv/

The RCGP’s eLearning website containing courses and updates for general practice.

Visit BASHH.org for all the latest clinical guidance on management of STIs.

Visit BHIVA.org for current clinical guidelines on HIV management

E-learning for health programme on sexual and reproductive healthcare http://www.e-lfh.org.uk/programmes/sexual-and-reproductive-healthcare/

RCGP e-learning course on contraception http://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/

Visit FSRH.org for all the latest evidence-based guidance on contraception and recommended service standards

Bristol Learning Pool module on trans awareness.  The course is available under the equalities category.

The Faculty of sexual and reproductive health have produced a statement on: Contraceptive Choices and Sexual Health for Transgender and Non-binary people (October 2017)

RCGP on-line resource on Gender variance,  designed to help GPs respond to the needs of adults and young people experiencing gender dysphoria.

Stonewall Scotland’s Online Learning Resource is an eLearning package, which gives an introduction to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans equality issues. It is aimed at frontline staff to help them understand the barriers and specific concerns which may be experienced by their LGBT customers or service users. It includes introductory training on issues such as the problem with making assumptions, the importance of clear policies which are well publicised, the barriers associated with “coming out” to staff, and the specific issues which many trans service users experience. The resource is therefore free to use. Visit https://www.lgbtgoodpractice.org.uk.

Safeguarding Children and Young People

The RCGP’s Violence Against Women and Children online course will enable GPs and other primary care professionals to improve their recognition of and response to patients suffering from violence. The course has been developed with funding from the Department of Health.

e-learning for health have a module on FGM. The FGM course is designed to improve the knowledge and awarensss of FGM amongst healthcare professionals. The e-learning resource focuses on issues related to health, legal status and referral pathways. The sessions are knowledge based and will provide practical support to healthcare professionals facing challenges such as how to approach a conversation about FGM with patients.

Female Genital Mutilation

South Gloucestershire have useful information and learning support.

E-learning for health also offer a range of online modules on adult safeguarding and child safeguarding: level 1, 2, and 3.

Safeguarding Adults

Safeguarding Children and Young People

• Alcohol Identification and Brief Advice programme

• RCGP course  – for everybody who needs to use an assessment tool to identify problematic drinking. It is intended for a general audience; you do not have to be a doctor or a nurse to attempt it. The course will enable you to understand the basic principles of alcohol related harm; to use the AUDIT screening tool and to act on its results; and to have an understanding of how to give brief advice where required. The course also explores the health, social and legal consequences of drinking alcohol and uses video clips to demonstrate the use of AUDIT and how to conduct a brief intervention. This course is FREE to all primary healthcare professionals

The gov.uk website have produced a resource  designed to share examples of training products available to public sector professionals and other individuals that might come across victims to help raise awareness, better spot the signs and increase confidence in reporting modern slavery when potential cases are encountered.

E-learning for healthcare  host an online resource which provides an overview of the issue of modern slavery. It is aimed at helping all healthcare staff recognise the signs that someone has been trafficked, and to take appropriate action with confidence.

Modern Slavery