MOST parents know that they need to talk to their children about the 'birds and the bees', but many are unsure how to go about it or outright dread it.
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With this in mind, Women's Health Grampians has partnered with the Grampians Pyrenees Primary Care Partnership to bring acclaimed comedian, author and health ambassador Nelly Thomas to the region to deliver 'The Talk' to parents and carers of primary and secondary school students.
Teachers, sporting coaches and any health or social worker that spends time with young people, may also find benefit in attending 'The Talk'.
'The Talk' is set to take place at Ararat in March, with bookings now being taken for the event.
Following Nelly's presentation, there will be a chance for audience members to ask questions of Nelly and a panel of local health professionals.
This informative and humorous live show is based on Nelly's ground-breaking sexual health and ethics DVD of the same name, as well as her 12 years' experience delivering sexual health shows to Victorian teenagers.
Even though people of all ages are exposed to sexual risks, the consequences of risky sexual behaviour are greater in the young. For example, early sexual activity results in greater risk of unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during adolescence.
According to Department of Health statistics, across the Grampians region teenage birth rates are up to 3.5 times higher than state average and the regional rate of chlamydia is one of the highest in Victoria.
Parents often feel that discussing sex with their children condones or encourages early activity.
Research shows that children whose parents talk with them about sex and who receive good sexual health education at school, are more likely to start sex later.
It also shows that the children who have had discussions with their parents are less likely to have an unplanned pregnancy or to get a sexually transmitted infection.
Women's Health Grampians have also been working in partnership with a number of local agencies to develop a regional sexual health service guide.
It is hoped that this guide will be used by both community members and health professionals to improve access to appropriate and timely sexual and reproductive health services.
The guide will be officially launched at 'The Talk' and will be available online or from local health services.
This event ties in with International Women's Day, a global day celebrating achievements of women. It is also a day to acknowledge struggles - and learn how we can play a part in creating a brighter future, free from discrimination and violence for women and girls.
Nelly Thomas is pleased that the show in Ararat is linked to International Women's Day.
"Talking about respectful relationships is an often neglected part of sex education programs with young people, which tend to focus on the 'nuts and bolts' of safe physical sex while ignoring the emotional aspects of sexual relationships," she said.
"These issues include things like consent, peer pressure, communication, media messages and even sexual assault. It is just as important to discuss how - and why - to be kind and respectful in relationships as it is to talk about pregnancy and STIs.
"Our event canvasses these and other issues, and gives parents ideas on how to broach these subjects at home."
Women's Health Grampians is encouraging parents and carers to come along and learn about child and adolescent health, relationships and sexuality so they can feel empowered, confident and relaxed to discuss these important issues with their children.
'The Talk' Live with Nelly Thomas is a free event to be held on Wednesday, March 11, at the Alexandra Oval Community and Recreation centre in Ararat. Anyone attending is encouraged to arrive at approximately 6.30pm, for a 7pm start. The show will finish at 9pm.
'The Talk' is an adult only event. To attend this event, please register via https://eventbrite.com.au/event/15445997394/ or visit eventbrite.com.au and search: The Talk Nelly Thomas.
For any enquiries please contact Women's Health Grampians on 5322 4100.