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Professional development and training opportunities

This page describes professional development opportunities for health care professionals who wish to further their training or get more involved in the provision of sexual health and contraception care.

Training provided by Unity Sexual Health

IMPORTANT NOTICE COVID-19 UPDATE 16/6/2020: We have resumed some of our training events – these will take place remotely via Zoom. Please see below for more details including how to book.

  • Unity Young People training in Bristol: UYP (formerly 4YP training)

    Since April 2018 Unity has been providing 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 for those working within the BNSSG area.  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.

    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.

    Please note also that in order to receive a certificate confirming attendance at any of our training events you are expected to attend the event in full. If you arrive more than 30 minutes late after the scheduled start time or have to leave more than 30 minutes before the end, we will not be able to provide you with a certificate of attendance. You are, however, still welcome to attend for your continuing professional development.

    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: Thursday  25/06/20  – 09.30 to 13.30  Online via Zoom 

    Click here to book

     

    Tuesday 26th January 2021 – 0930-13.30 – Venue- TBC

    Click here to book

     

    BAME training

    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: (you must attend both sessions)

    These sessions will be facilitiated via Zoom. A zoom link will be sent to the email address with which you’ve registered 1 hour before the session. Attendees are required to attend session 1 before attending session 2.

    Session 1, 7th September 2020, 10-12pm (online only, via Zoom)
    Session 2, 14th September  2020, 10-12pm (online only, via Zoom)

    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 – Venue TBC

    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: ( you must attend both sessions)

    Monday 13th July 0930-12.30 ( Session 1)

    Tuesday 14th July 0930-12.30 (Session 2)

    PLEASE NOTE  Attendees are required to attend both session 1 and 2 to complete the training. 

    These will be via ZOOM

    Click here to book

     

    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: tbc

     

     

    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: 

    Session 1, 15th June 2020, 10-12pm (online only, via Zoom)
    Session 2, 22nd June 2020, 10-12pm (online only, via Zoom)

    (you must attend both sessions)

    These sessions will be facilitiated via Zoom. A zoom link will be sent to the email address with which you’ve registered 1 hour before the session. Attendees are required to attend session 1 before attending session 2.

    Click here to book

     

    Monday 15th February 2021 0930-13.30

    It is not possible to book this event yet. Please check back.

     

    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:

    A. Wednesday 7 October 2020 09.30-12.30 – Session 1 – Online

    AND Wednesday 14 October 2020 09.30-12.30 – Session 2 – Online

    (You must attend both sessions)

    B. Wednesday 3rd February  2021 9.00am-4.30pm at Central Health Clinic,Tower Hill, Bs2 0JD, Seminar room

    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: Monday 9th November 2019 0930-16.00 – Venue TBC

    Click here to book

     

     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: Friday 16th October 0900-16.00 at Central Health Clinic, Tower Hill, BS2 0JD, Seminar room

    Click here to book

     

    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:

    • Thursday 5 November 2020 9.30am-1.00pm at Central Health Clinic, Tower Hill, BS2 0JD, Seminar room

    Click here to book

     

    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 10th September 2020 9.30am-1.00pm at Central Health Clinic, Tower Hill, BS2 0JD, Seminar room

    Click here to book

     

    • Thursday 11th February 2021 9.30am-1.00pm at Central Health Clinic, Tower Hill, BS2 0JD, Seminar room

    Click here to book

     

    C-Card Training (1/2 day)

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

    Dates:

    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 via ZOOM

    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 ).

  • Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Diploma

    The Diplomate Assessment of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH Diploma) is for healthcare professionals who wish to demonstrate that they have attained the knowledge, attitude and skills required to deliver safe and effective sexual and reproductive health care in community, primary and secondary care settings. The programme is open to clinicians with both registration and a licence to practise with a UK regulatory body. It is open to doctors, nurses and physicians associates.

    The Diploma is a blended learning package and involves different elements.

    Unity offers clinical placements for the clinical experience and assessments stage of the Diploma.

    For further information, please email DFSRH Training (DFSRHtraining@UHBW.nhs.uk) or visit the FSRH website.

  • Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare SRH essentials

    The 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@UHBW.nhs.uk) or visit the FSRH website.

    The date for the next course is Thursday 14th May 2020 _POSTPONED

  • Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Letters of Competence (LoCs)

    The FSRH LoCs are 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 contraception. It will enable them to hold consultations, provide intrauterine (LoC IUT) or subdermal (LoC SDI) contraception competently, and manage any complications or side-effects that may occur.

    Unity offers clinical placements for the “clinical training and assessments” stage.

    For further information, please email DFSRH Training (DFSRHtraining@UHBW.nhs.uk) or visit the FSRH website .

  • Medical placements and attachments

    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 Administrator Diane Anscombe (Diane.Anscombe@uhbw.nhs.uk)

  • Nursing placements

    If you are a nursing student or qualified nurse and would like to arrange a placement at Unity Sexual Health, please email our Medical Administrator  Diane Anscombe (Diane.Anscombe@uhbw.nhs.uk) if you would like to organise a day placement or Unity Sexual Health Matron Ann Steele-Nicholson (Ann.Steele-Nicholson@UHBW.nhs.uk).

  • Annual Updating Day

    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 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.   It costs £90 for doctors and nurses working in primary care and £55 for nurses working in Unity sexual health services. A copy of the 2020 programme is available below for interest.

    The date for the next event is Tuesday 11 May 2021.

    Venue: Holiday Inn Filton

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

    enquiries@spcorporateservices.com

    July 2020 UPDATE – We will be running a free remote 2 hour evening session on Tuesday 13th October (6.00-8.15pm ). This will include local service updates, contraception update and STI update. To book your place please email: enquiries@spcorporateservices.com

  • LARC Fitters Forums

    Implant and IUC fitters forums are held regularly at Unity Central Health Clinic. If you wish to attend please  email DFSRH Training (DFSRHtraining@UHBW.nhs.uk)

    Below is the list of dates for 2020:

    Implant fitter forums 1-2pm at Central Health Clinic, seminar room

    Wednesday 29th January

    Wednesday 4th March

    Wednesday 17th June – CANCELLED – a new date will be arranged and the meeting will take place remotely

    Wednesday 30th  September -TBC

    Wednesday 16th December – TBC

     

    IUC fitter forums 1-2pm, at Central Health Clinic, seminar room

    Wednesday February 12th

    Wednesday May 13th – CANCELLED – a new date will be arranged and the meeting will take place remotely

    Monday July 20th – ONLINE – to book please email DFSRHTraining@uhbw.nhs.uk

    Wednesday September  9th – TBC

    Wednesday November 18th – TBC

     

    Faculty registered trainer meeting

    Tuesday 30th June 11-12.30  – if you wish to attend please email DFSRHtraining@uhbw.nhs.uk

    Tuesday 29th July 12-1.30 -if you wish to attend please email DFSRHTraining@uhbw.nhs.uk

     

  • School Nurses

    “Principles of good sexual health provision 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:

    Session Learning outcomes

    By the end of the session you will be able to…

    		 Date
    1- Chlamydia testing and sexually transmitted infection (STI) overview
    1. Advise young people how to order and undertake a chlamydia test
    2. Describe common STIs and possible symptoms;
    3. Discuss risk-reduction strategies such as condom use;
    4. Describe to a young person how they can access services if they have any STI concerns
    5. Sign post to relevant services
    		 Weds 9 September 0930-1145
    2- Emergency contraception (EC)
    1. Make an assessment of when EC is indicated,
    2. Discuss what types of EC are available to the young person within the given time frames,
    3. Facilitate access to oral EC or referral for an em IUD
    4. Identify possible safeguarding concerns and sig post as appropriate
    		 Weds 4 November 0930-1145
    3 – Pregnancy testing(PT)
    1. Discuss limitations of timing of a negative result in terms of window period;
    2. Sign post if PT is positive
    3. Provide support around pregnancy decisions;
    4. Provide ongoing contraceptive advice if PT is negative
    		 Weds 11 November 0930-1145

Associated organisations providing training

  • Avon group for Contraception and Sexual health

    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

    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)
  • C:card

    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

    Terence Higgins Trust w be running events as part of UYP training on HIV updates and LGBTQ training.

  • University of the West of England (UWE) Bristol

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

    1. 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.

    1. 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

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

    The course list can be found here.

Online learning resources

Unity Contraception and sexual Health Updating Day 2020329.30 KB
Unity Training calendar 2020_2138.03 KB
Sexual-Health-Training-available-for-health-and-non-health-professionals-2020_211,008.91 KB

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