Government funds sexual health project for disabled young people The Children’s Society’s Sexual Health for Disabled Children and Young People project has been awarded funding from the Department of Health’s Innovation, Excellence and Service Development Fund.
The project works to give disabled young people access to the same sex education and sexual health care as other young people, through the training of professionals in care and education settings.
It has also utilised the Children’s Society charity’s 'Disability Toolkit' website to make resources, advice and practice examples available for professionals working with disabled young people and those with special educational needs. The project is also developing a practical resource for professionals to use when delivering sex and relationships work.
The project is supported by an advisory group of disabled young people from London, which makes sure that the training offered to professionals meets the needs of all disabled young people
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley commented: "The Sexual Health for Disabled Children and Young People project will make a big difference to local communities nationally and I would like to thank all those involved for their hard work in getting this project off the ground.”
Katherine Evans from The Children’s Society’s Disability Advocacy Project said: "We are extremely pleased with the funding we’ve received from the Department of Health. It is tremendously important that disabled young people have access to the same information and support that is available for other young people."
She added: "Our project is working to promote the importance of sex and relationships education for disabled young people. Through training professionals, we hope the safety and health of disabled young people across the country will improve.”
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