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13-19 September 2021

CONSENT: DO YOU GET IT?

This Sexual Health Week Brook is examining the secret to healthy relationships and happy sex lives: consent!

We’ll be looking at everything from consent in digital relationships, how to tackle sexual harassment in schools, as well ways to make consent more inclusive.

#SHW21

Brook on Instagram

The Court of Appeal has overturned the Bell v Tavi

The Court of Appeal has overturned the Bell v Tavistock judgment.

Brook welcomes the ruling as upholding the right of young people to consent to medical treatment.

Brook intervened in this appeal out of concern that young people’s autonomy was threatened by the original ruling. It is vital that we uphold the right of young people to consent to their own medical treatment in line with their individual capacity, and their ability to understand the nature, risks and benefits of treatment.

By confirming that clinicians are able to use their professional judgment to evaluate an individual young person’s capacity to consent to the use of puberty blockers, today’s judgment crucially upholds the principle of Gillick competence which underpins practice across health, social care and many other areas of work with young people.

Go to the link in our bio to read our statement in full.

🏆 AND THE WINNERS ARE...🏆 The moment you'v

🏆 AND THE WINNERS ARE...🏆

The moment you've all been waiting for, we're finally announcing the winners of the Brook x @sh24_nhs Sexual Health Awards 2021!

🌟 Influencer of the Year: Karishma Swarup @talkyounevergot

🌟 Micro Influencer of the Year: @fromtopstobottoms

🌟 Journalist of the Year: Dr. Opeyemi Adeyemi @dryemz

🌟 Grassroots Initiative of the Year: @fumble.uk

🌟 Young Person of the Year: Artika Singh @teamtaarini

Well done to all of our winners, finalists, and nominees! We're absolutely blown away by the incredible work being done in this field.

Lots of discourse and content around consent focus

Lots of discourse and content around consent focuses on the idea of consent being fun and sexy and simple. Which is really important, because we need to normalise consent and make it accessible for everyone. Consent definitely IS sexy and it's a really important part of sex.

However, it's also a really nuanced topic. It can make people feel nervous and unsure about whether they're getting it right. Conversations can be awkward and tricky at times. For people who have experienced sexual activity where they didn't give consent or they're not sure if they did, hearing that consent is straightforward and fun can be difficult. It can also feel like you did something wrong or should have prevented it.

It's important to know that it's never your fault and you're not alone. We hope that by speaking about consent for #SHW21, we raise awareness of the importance of all young people learning about consent from the outset, so that it becomes easier to recognise harmful behaviour.

"In guarding others and their right to say no, I’ve found a huge amount of inner strength.

My hope is also that we all begin to work towards creating a culture of continuous check-in, where we assume nothing and communicate as openly as possible, as often as possible."

As part of Sexual Health Week, we are thrilled to host a blog from @jeneferodell all about her work as an Intimacy Coordinator! At the link in our bio you can read about what Jen's work really entails, why it's so important, and what she has learned about herself and consent through doing it.

Jenefer has worked as an Intimacy Coordinator since 2019 and her credits include @sexeducation series two and three for @NetflixUK, Estuary for Apple TV+ and Hullraisers for @channel4.

#SHW21 #intimacycoordinator #consent #sexeducation

Even if you know the person, or you’re in a rela

Even if you know the person, or you’re in a relationship with them, you should think of sending nudes as a sexual act and something you need to get consent for every time. If you can’t ask or you don’t get consent then don't send a nude.
#STOPCYBERFLASHING

Head to the link in our bio for more.

A #SHW21 meme for you all 💜 Consent and pleas

A #SHW21 meme for you all 💜

Consent and pleasure go hand in hand! Conversations around consent ensure everyone feels comfortable and happy, which means you're more relaxed and able to experience pleasure - what's not to love?!

Consent is informed, continuous and enthusiastic!

Consent is informed, continuous and enthusiastic!

We often hear that 'yes means yes' and 'no means no' when it comes to consent. And while this is helpful, it's important to remember that consent is more than just verbal. And sometimes it's really hard to say an outright no.

Consent might also sound like:
✔️ I'd love to
✔️That feels amazing
✔️ Keep going

It might look like:
✔️Smiling
✔️Kissing you back
✔️Comfortable and relaxed

Non-consent might sound like:
❌ I'm not sure
❌ Not right now
❌ I'm tired

It might look like:
❌ no eye contact
❌ tense body
❌ silence or stillness

Head to the link in our bio to find out more about sex and consent! #SHW21

Sexual Health Week 2021 has officially begun and w

Follow @Brook_Sexpositive

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