F
WORD Girls Group
Programme
Session 2
General and Sexual Health
This session is to provide the young people the
opportunity to meet with the YOS Health Worker or
Health Professional, to participate in an informative
discussions and activities relating to general and
sexual health and be provided with information
regarding outreach services.
These are the activities included in this session.
The numbers in brackets refer to the page number
of the worksheet.
Activity
Facilitator Notes
Page Number
24
Worksheet
Page Number
25
26 -29
Activity 3 – Let’s Talk About Sex –
Contraception
30 - 31
32 - 35
Activity 4 – Self Esteem/ Sexual Health
Spiral
36 - 37
Activity 5 – Fruit Let’s Something Different
38 - 40
Activity 1 - Why Do Young Women Have
Sex?
Activity 2 – Let’s Talk About Sex – Health
Risks?
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WORD Girls Group
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Facilitator Guidance Notes
SESSION 2 – Activity 1
Why Do Young Women Have Sex?
The Brainstorming activity to enable participants to think about the may
reason why young women have sex and to consider whether these reasons
are positive or negative.
1. Write ‘REASONS WHY YOUNG WOMEN HAVE SEX…’ at the top of the
flipchart.
2. Ask participants to brainstorm all the reasons they can think of why young
women have sex.
Note to Facilitator
Do not have any discussion at this point – write down everything that the
group says.
3. Then ask the group to turn to the person next to them and discuss which
reasons they think might be a ‘good’ reason to have sex and what might be a
‘bad’ reason to have sex.
4. Bring the group back together and take feedback. Discuss. As facilitator it is
important that you do not give your own opinions, but ask questions to gather
participants’ thoughts and opinions. There are no right or wrong answers.
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WORD Girls Group
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Facilitator Guidance Notes
SESSION 2 – Activity 2
Let’s Talk About Sex: Health Risks
- Sexually Transmitted Infections
This descriptive card game aims to raise awareness and give information
about the main sexually transmitted infections.
Note to Facilitator
Make up as many sets of the A – H descriptive cards as you need (one set
per group).
Make up the same number of sets of cards naming each of the STI’s – one
STI name per card.
1. Split the group into smaller groups and each group a set of descriptive
cards and set of the names of STI cards.
2. Ask each group to match each STI with the descriptive card.
3. Bring the group back together to go through the answers.
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STI Descriptive Cards
A
“Hi! I’m a rather good - looking sexually transmitted infection (STI) and I like
variety, so if you are easily bored, then I’m the one for you! For starters, I
sometimes serve a white or yellow discharge from your penis or vagina and
after a while may turn a rather nice green colour. Apologies, but occasionally I
may smell a bit! But please don’t think I’m just interested in your nether
regions. No, I’m also interested in your eyes, bum, throat and mouth. Hoping
to meet you soon, and by the way there’s a lot of me around, so you may not
have to look very hard to find me. Just have penetrative vaginal or anal sex
without condoms, oral sex or even fingering may mean we get to meet. Can’t
wait to meet you.”
B
“Hello there! Thought I was a flower? A girl’s name? Not me, I’m a rather
classy sexually transmitted infection (STI) with the poshest name of the
bunch! I prefer to hang around with young people between 16 and 24, but not
exclusively. The good thing about me is that I tend to travel with you quietly,
and for a long time you may not even know I’m there! So I’m low maintenance
and require no attention, what more could you ask for? If you want to know
I’m with you, it’s a simple pee in a pot test, no uncomfortable swabs down
your bits. Fancy me? Have sex without condoms, don’t have a pee test and
let me fester for years. I can be a bit of a bugger though as I may cause
infertility and reduce your chances of becoming a parent in the future if you
don’t have regular sexual health screenings.
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STI Descriptive Cards
C
“Hello! I’m Henry VIII I am, I am! I’m very famous because I sorted out the
aforementioned King good and proper! Would you like to be included in my
list? I don’t care who you are, I’m not fussy where I live. People thought I’d
disappeared but I’ve been making a bit of a come back. I may give you a
little bit of a clue that I am around, a bit of a painless sore, then a rash, but
ignore me and I swell within you for many years! Low maintenance
because you won’t know I’m there until I’ve damaged your major organs
Dincluding your brain! Looking forward to meeting you. Have sex without a
condom or come into contact with one of my sores and maybe one day we
will meet!”
D
“Hi, do you like cauliflower? I can do you a very good impression if left
untreated for long enough. I’m not always this easy to recognise, but when
apparent I may prevent you from having sex as I can be quite distressing
to look at. I’m very persistent you see because I’m caused by a virus, once
you meet me, you won’t be able to get rid of me. I’ll be around forever! I’m
easy to pick up, and a condom or Femidom won’t always protect you
depending where I’m situated. Looking forward to meeting you soon.”
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STI Descriptive Cards
E
“Hello there! No, I’m not Hercules. But of course he is my namesake and
we are alike because I’m quite tough and invincible, a bit of a superhero
myself I reckon! I am a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but I get to
travel by kissing too! I cause cold sores, and can also give you similar
blister on your genitals which I’m afraid are very sore. It can be very painful
if you need to pee, as the blisters may feel like they are burning. Because
I’m caused by a virus, then once you meet me I’ll be with you for life and
the blisters may reappear if you’re feeling run down or stressed. Looking
foreword to meeting you.
F
“Hi! My name says it all, but not many people know what my initials stand
for or what it means. I can be a bit quiet at first and I may not always give
you as clue that I am around. I love to live in your immune system and turn
it into my territory. Then eventually I relieve you of your immune system, so
your body won’t have the tedious task of fighting infection because there
will be nothing left to fight with Because I’m a virus I will be with you forever
and you’ll have to take lots of drugs to keep me at bay. So maybe we’ll
meet soon? Penetrative vaginal or anal sex without a condom, sharing
needles when injecting drugs and sometimes having oral sex without a
condom, sharing needles when injecting drugs and sometimes having oral
sex without a condom may bring us together. “
G
“Hi! If I get to meet you, I’m going to affect one of your biggest internal
organs. I belong to a pretty big family of viruses, which can be passed on
in different ways (e.g. through injecting drugs, or certain sexual practices)
and have differing effects on your liver and your health. Some of my
symptoms may include jaundice (skin turning yellow), feeling weak and
knackered, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Some of my family may
also cause more serious chronic, long-term problems such as liver disease
and cirrhosis. This may take years to have an effect, but it can be pretty
devastating. Some people manage to clear the virus from their body
completely with treatment. Others are unable to clear the virus and will
develop chronic liver disease. You can also get vaccinated against some
of my family, but not all.”
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STI Descriptive Cards
H
“Hello. We’re irritating little beggars that like to crawl through the hair all
over your body (but not in your head) and make you itch like mad. We lay
our eggs on your hairs but we live on your skin. You might find our little
poos in your knickers – or in your trousers if you go commando. You can
catch us through sex but also through close body contact and from towels
and beds sheets. We’re quite easy to catch but also quite easy to get rid
of. So it you’d like us to stay and increase our colony don’t get tested don’t
treat us and don’t wash your sheets and towels. A shampoo that you leave
on overnight will get rid of us, and you can easily get it from the chemist.”
STI Answers
A
Gonorrhoea
B
Chlamydia
C
Syphilis
D
Genital Herpes
E
Genital Herpes
F
HIV
G
Hepatitis
H
Pubic Lice
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WORD Girls Group
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Facilitator Guidance Notes
SESSION 2 – Activity 3
Let’s Talk About Sex:
Contraception
The Quiz, Sexual Health Case and Condom Demonstration aim to increase
participant’s knowledge of the methods of contraception available to young
people and it provides the opportunity for participants to practice using a
condom correctly.
Note to Facilitator
Have available the following resources:

Sexual Health Case

Condom Demonstrator and a supply of condoms

Contraception, condom and emergency contraception leaflets.
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1. Show the group the contents of the ‘Sexual Health Case’.
Ask the group if they know

The name of the method

How it is used

The advantages and disadvantages of the method

What does it protect against?

Where you can get it from.
Facilitator to add to the information given.
2. Condom demonstration.

Facilitator to demonstrate the correct method of using a condom.

Whole group opportunity to put a condom on a condom demonstrator.
3. Contraception Quiz.

Can be completed individually or in small groups.

Give correct answers and further information.
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WORKSHEET
Session 2 – Activity 3
Contraception Quiz
Question
1
Answer (True or False)
Sperm can survive for a maximum of 3 days
inside the female reproductive tract.
2
You can only get pregnant if you have vaginal
penetrative sex.
3
There
are
two
different
types
of
oral
contraceptive pills.
4
If you forget a contraceptive pill you should use
a condom as well if you have sex within the
next seven days.
5
Antibiotics reduce the effectiveness of the
combined pill?
6
The Progestogen Only Pill is less effective
than the combined pill?
7
One dose of Deop-Provera contraceptive
injection lasts for 12 weeks.
8
You cannot have an IUD (Intra Uterine Device
or Coil) inserted if you are under 18 years old.
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9
The Implanon Implant is up into your arm.
10
The implant lasts for three years.
11
Condoms will perish if in contact with Vaseline.
12
Emergency Hormonal Contraceptive
(EHC) is more effective at reducing the risk of
pregnancy the earlier it is taken after sex.
13
A coil (Intra Uterine Device – IUD) can be
inserted 5 days after unprotected intercourse
to prevent pregnancy.
14
A contraception clinic is a confidential service.
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WORKSHEET
Session 2 – Activity 3
Contraception Quiz Answers
Question
1
2
3
4
5
6
Answer (True or False)
Sperm can survive for a maximum False. At certain times in the menstrual
of 3 days inside the female cycle, fertile mucus is produced at the neck
reproductive tract.
of the womb (or cervix) this clear, slippery
mucus will nourish and support sperm for up
to 7 days.
You can only get pregnant if you False. It is important to ensure sperm
have vaginal penetrative sex.
doesn’t come into contact with any part of the
vagina as it is possible (although unlikely) to
get pregnant. This includes sperm that in
accidentally transferred from hands, clothes
bed clothes etc. If there is any contact with
the vagina prior to ejaculation there is still a
risk of pregnancy as sperm often leaks out of
the tip of an erect penis before ejaculation
occurs.
There are two different types of True. There is the Combined Oral
oral contraceptive pills.
Contraceptive Pill (COCP) which contains
synthetic hormones – oestrogen and
progestogen and the Progestogen Only Pill
(POP or sometimes called the ‘mini pill’)
If you forget a contraceptive pill True. If you forget a pill you must make sure
you should use a condom as well if you use a condom if you have sex in the next
you have sex within the next seven 7 days. If the condom splits or comes off you
days.
may need emergency contraception so get
advice from your local clinic or pharmacy. It
is a good idea to use condoms all the time as
well as a method of contraception to protect
against STI’s and pregnancy.
Antibiotics
reduce
the True. Antibiotics affect the way your body
effectiveness of the combined pill? absorbs the COD so you must take your pills
as usual but also use condoms if you have
sex during the whole course of antibiotics
and for 7 days afterwards. Antibiotics DO
NOT affect the POP.
The Progestogen Only Pill is less False. The POP is just an effective as the
effective than the combined pill?
COC if taken properly!
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8
9
10
11
12
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WORD Girls Group
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One dose of Deop-Provera contraceptive True. The sexual health
injection lasts for 12 weeks.
services will usually make the
next appointment for 11 weeks
to give time in case the
appointment gets forgotten or
the (young) woman is unwell.
You cannot have an IUD (Intra Uterine Device False. A woman can have an
or Coil) inserted if you are under 18 years old. IUD fitted at any age. It is also
a myth that a woman can’t
have an IUD fitted until she has
had a baby.
The Implanon Implant is up into your arm.
True. Usually the opposite arm
to the one you write with and
positioned on the inner side of
your upper arm just below you
bicep muscle.
The implant lasts for three years
True. Once the implant is
removed you are fertile again
very quickly.
Condoms will perish if in contact with Vaseline. True. Oil-based lubricants will
‘rot’ latex so always use a
water based lubricant.
Emergency Hormonal Contraceptive
True. Up to 24hrs = 95%.
(EHC) is more effective at reducing the risk of 25-48hurs 85%
pregnancy the earlier it is taken after sex.
49-72hrs= 52%
A coil (Intra Uterine Device – IUD) can be True. IUD’s can only be fitted
inserted 5 days after unprotected intercourse by specially trained doctor or
to prevent pregnancy.
nurses. An IUD can be fitted up
to 5 days after unprotected
intercourse however it is best to
get advise as soon as possible.
.A contraception clinic is a confidential service True. All contraceptive and
sexual health services are
confidential, staff would only
talk
to
other
health
professionals if they were
worried about your safety. They
would always tell you if they
want to talk to anyone else first.
• To increase knowledge of methods of contraception
• To provide an opportunity to practice the correct application of a co
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WORD Girls Group
Programme
Facilitator Guidance Notes
SESSION 2 – Activity 4
The Self-Esteem /Sexual
Health SpiralEmergency Hormonal
Contraception works and when to take it.
1. Divide the group into 2 subgroups.
2. Give one group a flip chart sheet headed
“Low self – esteem may lead to” …..?
3. And the other group a flip chart sheet headed
“High Self Esteem may lead to” ….?
4. Ask both groups to brainstorm all the sexual behaviours and practices
which could result from low or high self esteem.
5. If there is time, go on to start drawing a chain of events and
consequences, illustrating the spiral effect – e.g. low self esteem may
lead to saying yes to sex that isn’t wanted – and to not being able to
negotiate safer sex which may lead to getting sexually transmitted
infection which will contribute to lower self – esteem.
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6. Feedback from both groups in the large group. If there is time,
discuss ways the negative spiral can be interrupted in order to
increase self- esteem and sexual health. Share ideas from past
practice which have worked.
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Session 2 - Activity 5
Feel Good Activity
Fruit – Let’s Try Something Different.
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Facilitator Guidance Notes
SESSION 2 - Activity 5
Feel Good Activity
Fruit – Let’s Try Something
Different.
Introduction to Feel Good Activity
At least five portions of fruit or vegetables a day are good for us. Research
suggests that a balanced diet that includes a lot of fruit and vegetables will
help you stay more alert and be less likely to develop behavioural problems or
sleep disorders.
Young people are increasingly growing up on a diet that largely consists of
junk food. Regular amounts of junk food in the diet contribute to a number of
health problems, including:

Tiredness, lack of enthusiasm and a lack of energy

Unwillingness to take part in any physical activity

Mood swings, irritability and restlessness

Fidgety behaviour, inability to sleep

Unpredictable behaviour

Constipation or stomach upsets

Weight problems

Pale skin, dull hair, weak, brittle nails, dark shadows under eyes

Nausea, headaches

Frequent colds and infections

Increased incidence of allergies

Poor concentration
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Explain to participants that today is an opportunity to ‘Try Something
Different’.
Have available for the group to sample

A selection of fruits including the exotic (which are readily available at
local supermarkets)

Wooden Kebab skewers

Melted chocolate

Meringue Nests

A selection of flavoured low fat yogurts

Crème Fraiche

A selection of fruit juices
Ask the group to think of ideas which may encourage them to include more
fruit in their diets. Examples may be:

Make fruit kebabs – thread strawberries and chunks of melon and kiwi
fruit onto a skewer and drizzle with chocolate.

Freeze fruit – this can concentrate the fruit flavour and offer an
alternative taste and texture. Try freezing strawberries and bananas
and serving them on sticks like a lolly pop

Make a smoothie – Pack it with blueberries, mango, raspberries and
bananas and get them to try and identify the ingredients.
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