9:30pm Tuesday 30th June 2009
By Katy Islip
SEX education is a phrase that strikes dread into the hearts of parents and teenagers alike.
Mums and dads fear the embarrassment factor and teens hope all their parents have had to do with sex was their conception and nothing more.
But now a hard-hitting drama production is about to spare everyone’s blushes as it tours schools across south east Essex promoting safer sex.
Commissioned by NHS South East Essex, the show, called Why Wait? Why Not? is the brainchild of Outloud Productions Theatre Company and presents the facts of life to teenagers aged 16 and upwards in an engaging, no-nonsense way.
Nevada Shaw, health improvement specialist with NHS South East Essex, will be touring with the show and delivering information about local sexual health services to teens.
She explains: “The show is geared towards young people who might have missed out on mainstream sex education, and gives them information and support about reducing risky behaviour and how to access local services.
“It’s about helping them to make their own informed choices and to raise awareness of these topics within their peer groups as well.
“They are encouraged to not rush into a sexual relationship when they may not be ready and shown how to access local services.”
The production enjoyed a successful tour of schools in Southend during 2006 and 2007, and it is hoped the safer sex message, when presented in a streetwise and relevant way, will continue to reach teenagers in a way more formal literature cannot.
Nevada says: “The show was evaluated after the last tour and a lot of the children had been saying they liked the fact it was coming from their perspective, and in a humourous way.
“It helped make them think more about the impact of their behaviour and the consequences of their actions.
“They find it very down-to-earth at the same time, which is a great way to keep them engaged, and a lot of it is to do with the appropriate humour the show uses alongside the serious messages.
“I also think it’s so successful because the production company uses younger actors which helps the audience relate to them and see a bit of themselves in the actors.”
Tackling issues such as the spread of sexually transmitted infections and the consequences of unprotected sex, the show packs quite a punch, but aims to avoid patronising or preaching.
“We have used these methods because it’s a refreshing way of teaching sex education.
“It shows the topics can be presented in a variety of complementary ways which all help get the message across,” says Nevada.
“The children seem to listen more and it helps them back up the information they get from lessons at school and from the health organisation and the NHS.”
The main focus of the show will be raising awareness of chlamydia, which is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infection in the UK.
Nevada says: “Chlamydia is such an important topic because in the UK, one in 12 people under the age of 25, when tested, have it. Most people are unaware they have it because it is usually quite symptomless.
“It’s important young people get tested for this because if they are sexually active, but have no symptoms they could be passing it on and risking their own and their partner’s future health.”
Supporting the show will be members of South East Essex Primary Care Trust’s health improvement team, including Nevada, who will be using the performances within a workshop setting to promote awareness and encourage discussion.
Nevada says: “The information about local services is especially important because it shows young people where they can go for youth services and sexual health clinics.
“At the end of each show there will be a discussion period so they can ask any questions and find out more.”
A safer sex drop-in session will also be held on July 9 at the Focus Youth Centre, Short Street, Southend, from 1pm to 2.30pm.
Advisors will be on hand to discuss topics, including contraception and sexual health, as well as offering help with quitting smoking and advice about emotional health. Call 01702 464315.
For details on chlamydia testing call 01702 577105.
For more information on sexually transmitted infections see www.ruthinking.co.uk
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