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Sexpression ...
Sexpression is an independent initiative, providing peer-led sex and relationship projects across the UK. It is a voluntary, not-for-profit organisation that is not affiliated to any religious or political cause. Sexpression is affiliated with Medsin (registered charity number 1111824). Sexpression is dedicated to the development of sex education in the United Kingdom. It provides sessions for pupils from years 7 -13 on topics such as puberty, body image, self esteem, sexuality, contraception and sexually transmitted infections. Each session is delivered by 2-3 university students who are trained facilitators. These facilitators encourage the discussion of such topics in an open, non judgemental environment. The sessions aim to develop the pupils' self esteem, tolerance and respect for their peers, as well as facilitating informed decision-making and autonomy.
Sexpression has been running for over thirteen years. The idea for Sexpression originated from a project running in Australia where medical students returned to their high schools and taught sex and relationship education to the schools' current pupils. "Youth is the power for change" became the motto of James Jonamputra who had seen this initiative in action. The first group was set up in Edinburgh with support from a senior lecturer in obstetrics and gynaecology and a family planning specialist. Interest from schools developed and sessions began. Also running around this time was a group from University College London. The two Co-ordinators met and in 1998 set up what we have as 'Sexpression: UK' today. Sexpression now has over 20 branches in the UK and welcomes students from non medical backgrounds. New branches have recently been set up at the Universities of St Andrews, Dundee, Southampton and Nottingham. Sexpression has sister projects running in other parts of Northern Europe. These are under the umbrella of NECSE - the North European Cooperation of Sex Education Projects.
Each year during the autumn one branch of Sexpression hosts a National Conference, where branches from all over the UK and NECSE gather for a weekend of lectures and idea-sharing. Sexpression also has a general assembly in February-March time each year. Further information about Sexpression can be found by emailing the UK coordinator at [email protected] or by visiting the website www.sexpression.org.uk.
.Sexpression welcomed Dr O'Mahony, a GUM consultant based in the northwest as its first patron in early 2011. Dr O'Mahony writes regularly in the Journal of Sexually Transmitted Infections and appears in the media frequently highlighting the importance of sexual health issues. In November 2011 Sexpression welcomed its second patron, Professor John Guillebaud. Professor Guillebaud is the Emeritus Professor of Family Planning and Reproductive Health at University College London. He is also a patron of Population Matters, formally known as the Optimum Population Trust.
Last year (2010) Sexpression was shortlisted for a Brook Award for 'Sexual Health Project of the Year.'
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