This page describes professional development and training opportunities for professionals working in health and non-health, NHS and third sector organisations who wish to further their development and learning in sexual healthcare and contraception provision.
Education and Training Provided by Unity Sexual Health
Professional development opportunities for health and non-health professionals who wish to get more involved in the provision of sexual health and contraception care or who are working with people who may need support with their sexual health or contraceptive needs.
UPDATE 10/11/2023:
Most of our training events are delivered remotely via MS Teams. See below for more details, including how to book. Please note the following:
1. Some events may be cancelled at short notice.
2. Some of our courses require a minimum number of delegates to proceed; where this is not achieved the event will be cancelled and we will notify anyone that had registered to attend. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
If you book a place and are no longer able to attend, we ask that you CANCEL your booking please. Frequent non-attenders will not be allowed to book onto future courses.
WHO CAN ATTEND:
Our training is available to those working in the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire area ONLY. To confirm your place and to receive the meeting link, we ask for details of your employing body and a work email address.
WHAT TYPE OF TRAINING WOULD YOU LIKE TO ATTEND:
Please scroll down the list and expand on the section that describes the sort of training you would like to attend.
- Attend UYP training to support your work with young people
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.
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.To book a place on any of the UYP events please click here.
If the event you are interested in attending is not listed please bear with us as we create the EventBrite page
SHIELD Training (Sexual Health Information, Empowerment, Learning and Development)
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: 4 hours – 09:30 – 13:30
All events have now taken place – please check back for dates in 2024
To book a place on any of the UYP events please click here.
Diversity and inclusion: promoting sexual health
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:
· Understand the inequalities for racially marginalised communities in sexual health
· Understand the impact of social and cultural determinants on sexual and reproductive health
· Explore methods to improve engagement with diverse communities
Dates:
To book a place on any of the UYP events please click here.
Thursday 16 November 09.30-11.30
Healthy Relationships, Pleasure and Consent
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: This event has now taken place – please check back for 2024 dates
To book a place on any of the UYP events please click here.
Peer-on-Peer Sexual Violence and Managing Disclosures
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: 4 hours – 09:30 – 13:30
Tuesday 5th December 2023
To book a place on any of the UYP events please click here.
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:
Friday 19th January 2024 09.30-12.30
To book a place on any of the UYP events please click here.
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:
Tuesday 20th Feb 2024 09.30-11.00
To book a place on any of the UYP events please click here.
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: 29th November 2023 09.00-14.00
To book a place on any of the UYP events please click here.
Pornography, Sexting & Social Media
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: 4 hours – 09:30 – 13:30
Thursday 15th February 2024
To book a place on any of the UYP events please click here.
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: This event has now taken place – please check back for 2024 dates
To book a place on any of the UYP events please click here.
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: 7th Feb 2024 -0930 -1230
To book a place on this or any of the other UYP events please click here.
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: 7 December 2023 -0930-1230
To book a place on any of the UYP events please click here.
C-Card Training (1/2 day)
This is available to professionals working in the Bristol area only.
Dates: 3 hours – 09:30 – 12:30
Tuesday 14th November 2023
Friday 26th January 2024
Wednesday 13th March 2024
Please 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: For further information on registering as a C:card provider in North Somerset email Kate Blakley, Health Improvement Specialist (Kate.Blakley@n-somerset.gov.uk ).
- HIV training to support your work with vulnerable groups
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:
Friday 19th January 2024 09.30-12.30
To book a place on any of the UYP events please click here.
- Attend training to increase your knowledge in syphilis
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 2024.
- Attend training to improve inclusivity in your organisation
Diversity and inclusion: promoting sexual health
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:
· Understand the inequalities for racially marginalised communities in sexual health
· Understand the impact of social and cultural determinants on sexual and reproductive health
· Explore methods to improve engagement with diverse communities
Dates:
To book a place on any of the UYP events please click here.
Thursday 16 November 2023 09.30-11.30
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:
Tuesday 20th February 2024 09.30-11.00
To book a place on any of the UYP events please click here.
- Achieve a nationally recognised qualification in sexual and reproductive health : DFSRH
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.
- Access Unity training available to primary care
- Unity Annual Updating Day on Contraception and Sexual Health
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- 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.
- The next meeting will be held in person on 16 May 2024
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Who should attend: The day 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 goal is to support clinical professionals in delivering effective and safe sexual and reproductive healthcare. Enquiries to: shonda@spcorporateservices.com
- 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
- FSRH Essentials in Menopause Care
For further information visit the FSRH website.
- 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 visit the FSRH website.
- Become a FSRH registered trainer (FRT)
Are you a recognised GP clinical or educational supervisor?
If so then it is relatively easy for you to become a Faculty Registered Trainer (FRT) of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH). There are 3 simple steps:
Step 1
Check you meet the other entry requirements:
– Have the Diploma DFSRH for at least 12 months
– Current FSRH membership and up to date with recertification
– At least 12 months current experience in SRH
Step 2
Contact your local General Training Programme Director (GTPD) to discuss your interest in becoming an FRT . If you are not already known to the GTPD a virtual meeting will be arranged before the GTPD is able to support your application. The BNSSG local GTPD is Lucinda Farmer (Lucinda.Farmer@uhbw.nhs.uk)
Step 3
Complete and submit the ‘Application form for FSRH Registered Trainer status’ which can be found on the FSRH website. https://www.fsrh.org/documents/application-form-for-fsrh-registered-trainer-status/
a. This application has to be reviewed and signed by the GTPD.
b. You will need to identify a potential buddy (an experienced FRT) to provide informal support for the first year
c. The completed application form and supporting documents should be emailed to the Education Team at education@fsrh.org
There is no fee for an application for FRT status. For more information visit https://www.fsrh.org/education-and-training/become-a-fsrh-registered-trainer/
If you are not a recognised trainer, then you will need to provide evidence that you hold a relevant qualification or accreditation in medical education such as a university accredited postgraduate course in medical/clinical/healthcare teaching or education, with a minimum of 15 credits at Levels 6 or 7 or an Academy of Medical Educators (AoME) accredited courses (within the last 5 years)
What are the benefits of becoming an FRT?
Your GP trainees can complete their DFSRH and/or coil and/or implant training with you as part of their placement – without the need to apply elsewhere . There is currently a long wait at most sexual health services for training.
You can also train other interested members of your team (eg nurses/ physicians associates/ pharmacists).
- Become a LARC fitter : FSRH Loc SDI , Loc IUT
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 .
FSRH LARC training is also available through the Pharmaceutical industry who have FSRH Registered Trainers. Anyone interested in pursuing this route should put in their training requests to:
FSRH LARC training is also available through the Pharmaceutical industry who have FSRH Registered Trainers. Anyone interested in pursuing this route can email directly:
For implant training:
debbie.berrios-silva1@organon.com OR ntspfeedback@organon.com
For coil training:
donna.dadge@bayer.com Or sian.piper@bayer.com
Sian Piper is also available via Mobile: 07971 225798
If 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.
- Wednesday 5 April 2023 – Implant Fitters Forum
- Wednesday 10th May 2023 – Coil Fitters Forum ( Unity only)
- Wednesday 7 June 2023 – Coil Fitters Forum
- Wednesday 5th July – Implant Fitters Forum (Unity only)
- Wednesday 6 September 2023 – Implant Fitters Forum
- Wednesday 6 December 2023 – Coil Fitters Forum
If you wish to attend any of the above meetings please email DFSRH Training
- LARC fitter forum
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 upcoming dates for 2023/24:
- Wednesday 6 December 2023 – coil fitters forum via MS Teams
- Wednesday 7 February 2024- implant fitters forum via MS Teams
- Wednesday 17th April 2024 – coil fitters forum – f2f in Unity seminar room
- Wednesday 19th June 2024 – implant fitters forum – via MS Teams
- Wednesday 4th September 2024 – coil fitters forum – f2f in Unity seminar room
- Wednesday 23rd Oct 2024 – implant fitters forum – via MS Teams
- Wednesday 4th December – coil fitters forum– via MS Teams
If you wish to attend any of the above meetings please email DFSRH Training
Unity are aware that there are some Pharma-led fitter forum meetings.
For Bayer-sponsored meetings email Sian.piper@bayer.com
For Organon-sponsored meetings email debbie.berrios-silva1@organon.com or ntspfeedback@organon.com
- Gain experience as a doctor or medical student in sexual health
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 .
- Gain experience as a nurse or nursing student in sexual health
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
- Attend Unity's contraception and sexual health updating day
Unity Contraception and Sexual Health Study Day –The next event will be taking place on 16 May 2024
This is an annual whole day learning event delivered by Unity Sexual Health.
Who should attend: The day 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 goal is to support clinical professionals in delivering effective and safe sexual and reproductive healthcare.
- Date for the next event: Thursday 16 May 2024
- Venue: Engineers House
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There are 5 CPD credits available for attendance
- Enquiries to: Shonda Powell, Suite 313, 179 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 2AG Tel: 01225 436 129 shonda@spcorporateservices.com
The programme for next year’s event is still being finalised but to give you a feel of the day, these were the topic covered at the 2023 event:
- Common ambitions update and practicalities of PrEP – Dr Lindsey Harryman
- Update in warts management- Dr Megan Crofts
- Update in contraception – new IUC guidelines, new POP – Dr Cindy Farmer
- Transgender care with a focus on sexual health – Dr Sarah Cochrane
- Vulval skin condition/ ulcers/ syphilis – Dr Adele Wolujewicz
- Challenges in psychosexual medicine– Dr Sally Soodeen
Breakout Sessions ( delegates will be able to select 2 topics)
- IUC Workshops – Dr Manika Singh, Dr Susanna Hall, Ms Emma Trump
- Stigma and Discrimination: understanding and supporting communities -Terence Higgins Trust
- Porn, nudes and social networks: Digital issues in young people’s sexual health – Brook
- Contraception for people over 40 -Dr Sharon Moses
- Menopause – Dr Katherine Kearley-Shiers
- Access Unity training for partner organisations supporting homelessness
Unity have offered bespoke training session for :
-DHI Bristol. This event was 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.
– DHI South Gloucester to discuss partnership links and provide an overview on sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment
-Compass Homeless Health – to support the clinical team responding to the contraceptive needs of their patient group.
-BDP/ROADs
-CAMHS – to support sign-posting to relevant sexual health services
-School nurses – to support sign-posting to STI and pregnancy testing
-Health care assistants in primary care – to support routine monitoring and ongoing supply of oral contraception
- Access Unity training for schools: RSE delivery support and School Nurse training
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- 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:
Session Learning outcomes By the end of the session you will be able to…
Date 1- Chlamydia testing and sexually transmitted infection (STI) overview - Advise young people how to order and undertake a chlamydia test
- Describe common STIs and possible symptoms;
- Discuss risk-reduction strategies such as condom use;
- Describe to a young person how they can access services if they have any STI concerns
- Sign post to relevant services
This event has now taken place 2- Emergency contraception (EC) - Make an assessment of when EC is indicated,
- Discuss what types of EC are available to the young person within the given time frames,
- Facilitate access to oral EC or referral for an em IUD
- Identify possible safeguarding concerns and sig post as appropriate
This event has now taken place 3 – Pregnancy testing(PT) - Discuss limitations of timing of a negative result in terms of window period;
- Sign post if PT is positive
- Provide support around pregnancy decisions;
- Provide ongoing contraceptive advice if PT is negative
This event has now taken place -
- Unity: Be Here - attend an open event at the Central Health Clinic
Following on from the success of Unity’s involvement in Bristol Doors Open Day, we are planning a series of open events to welcome community members, stakeholders and partners in the wider sexual health network. We would like to offer you the opportunity to learn about Unity services (who we are and what we do); hear our key health promotion messages and hopefully establish links with our team.
We will be running 60 minute tours which will include:
- an overview of Unity’s services and partner organisations
- HIV awareness and recent advances in treatment and prevention
- STI testing including postal kits and our rapid testing “Panther” machine
To book you place please register via EventBrite
CALENDAR OF TRAINING
If you cannot find the course you are looking for on this calendar please refer to the section ” Attend UYP training to support your work with young people” – which may contain updated details of some of our courses as well as the “LARC fitter forum” section. Please also note UPDATES which will be listed contemporaneously below.
To book a place on any of the UYP events please click here.
SHIELD Training (Sexual Health Information, Empowerment, Learning and Development) | April | 26/04/2023 | 09:30-13:30pm | Brook | |
UYP C-Card | May | 09/09/2023 | 09:30-12:30 | Brook | |
Healthy Relationships, Pleasure and Consent | June | 15/06/2023 | 09:30-13:30 | Brook | |
LGBTQ+ training | July | 18/07/2023 | 09:30-11:00 | THT | |
UYP C-Card | July | 26/07/2023 | 09:30-12:30 | Brook | |
HIV Awareness | August | 17/08/2023 | 09:30-12:30 | THT | |
UYP C-Card | September | 18/09/2023 | 09:30-12:30 | Brook | |
SEND and RSE | September | 25/09/2023 | 09:30-13:30 | Brook | |
HIV and STI Basics | October | 17/10/2023 | 09:30-11:30 | THT | |
SHIELD Training | October | 24/10/2023 | 09:30-13:30 | Brook | |
UYP C-Card | November | 14/11/2023 | 09:30-12:30 | Brook | |
Diversity and Inclusion | November | 16/11/2023 | 09:30-11:00 | THT | |
Peer on Peer Sexual Violence | December | 05/12/2023 | 09:30-13:30 | Brook | |
HIV Awareness | January | 19/01/2024 | 09:30-12:30 | THT | |
UYP C-Card | January | 26/01/2024 | 09:30-12:30 | Brook | |
Youth Produced Sexual Imagery | February | 15/02/2024 | 09:30-13:30 | ||
LGBTQ+ training | February | 20/02/2024 | 09:30-11:00 | THT | |
UYP C-Card | March | 13/03/2024 | 09:30-12:30 | Brook |
SHIELD Training (Sexual Health Information, Empowerment, Learning and Development)
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
Learning Outcomes – the attendee will:
- Have clarified how their role contributes to young people’s sexual health issues and local targets and priorities
- Explore issues of personal values and beliefs and their impact on professional boundaries
- Understand the law relating to sex and relationship
- Feel confident to signpost young people for relevant support
Dates: 4 hours – 09:30 – 13:30
Wednesday 26th April 2023
Tuesday 24th October 2023
Diversity and inclusion: promoting sexual health
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.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the inequalities for racially marginalised communities in sexual health
- Understand the impact of social and cultural determinants on sexual and reproductive health
- Explore methods to improve engagement with diverse communities
Dates:
Weds 1st March 2023 10.00-12.00
Tuesday 14 November 09.30-11.30
Healthy Relationships, Pleasure and Consent
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
- Feels confident to explore with young people issues of seeking and receiving consent in sexual relationships
- Knows where to signpost young people for further support relating to experiences of non-consensual sex.
Date: 4 hours – 09:30 – 13:30 – Thursday 15th June 2023
Peer-on-Peer Sexual Violence and Managing Disclosures
This training will help those working with young people understand abusive teenage relationships, know how to respond effectively and safely and prevent abuse while promoting healthy relationships.
Outcomes:
- Understands what domestic violence and abuse is; its forms and impacts on young people
- Understands the prevalence of abuse and the cultural context
- Can identify vulnerable young people and risk factors
- Feels confident dealing with disclosures and signposting to services
- Understands how to work with and refer on abusive young people
- Feels confident using practical activities with young people that will help prevent or stop abuse
Date : 4 hours – 09:30 – 13:30 Tuesday 5th December 2023
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:
Tuesday 15th August 2023 09.30-12.30
*Tuesday 17th October 2023 09.30-11.30 – this is an abridged session covering HIV and STI basics
Tuesday 16th January 2024 09.30-12.30
LGBTQ+ – Working with LGBTQ+ Young people
This training is delivered by Unity partners, the Terence Higgins Trust. The event aims to empower attendees to work confidently with young people to explore issues around sexuality and gender.
Attendees will feel encouraged and supported to develop and deliver LGBTQ+ inclusive content and will have an increased knowledge and understanding of LGBTQ+ identities, reflecting on existing understanding and unconscious bias.
These sessions have been developed in conjunction with LGBTQ+ young people.
Dates:
Tuesday 18th July 2023 09.30-11.00
Tuesday 20th Feb 2024 09.30-11.00
Pornography and youth produced sexual imagery
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
- Feels confident to respond to situations involving pornography and/or sexting
- Is familiar with resources available and practical tools to support young people around issues associated with social media, pornography and sexting
Dates: 4 hours – 09:30 – 13:30
Thursday 15th February 2024
Pregnancy-Decisions and Dilemmas (whole-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
15 June 2023 10.30-15.30
29 November 2023 09.00-14.00
STIs and Chlamydia screening update
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 – TBC
STIs and contraception – myth-busting
Outcomes
- Correct myth and misinformation surrounding STIs and contraception
- Support young people to be able to access reliable information
- Sign post young people for advice
Dates -TBC
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.
Date:
4 hours – 09:30 – 13:30 Monday 25th September 2023
C –card training:
Dates: 3 hours – 09:30 – 12:30
Thursday 16th March 2023
Tuesday 9th May 2023
Wednesday 26th July 2023
Monday 18th September 2023
Tuesday 14th November 2023
Friday 26th January 2024
Wednesday 13th March 2024
Please note the above dates are available to those working in the Bristol area only.
For those working in South Gloucestershire please visit:
For those working in North Somerset please email Kate Blakley, Health Improvement specialist: Kate.Blakley@n-somerset.gov.uk.
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:
- SHIELD Training (Sexual Health Information, Empowerment, Learning and Development)
- Healthy Relationships, Pleasure and Consent
- RSE and SEND
- Peer-on-Peer Sexual Violence and Managing Disclosures
- Pornography and Youth Produced Sexual Imagery
- 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:
C-Card Training (1/2 day)
This is available to professionals working in the Bristol area only.
Dates: 0930-1330
Please click here to book
Thursday 16 March 2023
Tuesday 9th May 2023
Wednesday 26th July 2023
Monday 18th September 2023
Tuesday 14th November 2023
Friday 26th January 2024
Wednesday 13th March 2024
Please 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 offer events as part of UYP training on Working with young people from LGBTQ+ or BAME communities, as well as HIV awareness
- 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:
- 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
Health Learning Partnership offer education for GPs and primary care practitioners in and around Bristol.
The course list can be found here.
- Pharmaceutical companies
Unity are aware that the manufacturers of both the IUS and contraceptive implant run Pharma-organised fitter forum events for LARC fitters.
Please contact your Pharma rep directly for details of these.
Online learning resources
- Sexually transmitted infections
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
- Contraception
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
- LGBTQ
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.
- Abuse and exploitation , including FGM
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.
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.
- Drugs and Alcohol
- Alcohol Identification and Brief Advice programme
The Alcohol Identification and Brief Advice e-learning project (Alcohol IBA) helps professionals to identify those individuals whose drinking might impact their health, now or in the future and to deliver simple, structured advice aimed at reducing this risk. Courses available include delivering alcohol IBA in different settings including Primary Care and Community Pharmacy. Available through e-learning for health.
- 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
- Human Trafficking and Modern slavery
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.