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AIM

To understand the role and functions of the Family Planning Unit (fpa)

Access and barriers to services

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The student will be able to identify:

  • the role of the Family Planning Unit
  • the services offered
  • the types of referral
  • how to gain access to the service
  • the barriers to the service
  • the dilemmas faced in meeting client needs
  • learning outcomes

OUTCOME

At the end of the workshop the students will be aware of the sensitive nature of the services provision on offer at the Family Planning Units.



SETTING THE SCENE

Explain and discuss the role of the Family Planning Team to students. Summarise on flip chart paper and put it up in the room. Give out the fpa sheets.

Discuss the meaning of access and barriers

 
TASK B - POSTER

Give out the fpa sheet and ask the students to design a poster targeted at people of their age. The poster should be designed to inform about the family planning services and encourage young people to use the service.

 
TASK C - BARRIERS

Split the class into 4 groups as follows:

Lara - A teenager of 15

James 19 at college

A single parent with 3 children living in a disadvantaged area.

An older person who is 54

Get each group to identify and summarise the possible barriers for their person to accessing family planning. Ask each group to present their ideas.

 
TASK C - CASE STUDIES

Divide into 3 groups. Each group is allocated a case study as follows:

you are worried because you've recently had unprotected sex

you are unsure about whether you have a sexually transmitted infection

you think you may be pregnant and want advice on your options

For each of the above case studies identify and list the possible barriers to accessing services and list reasons for confidentiality.

 
EXTENSION

Use the 'Useful Links' sheet to make a leaflet. It should present how young people could get family planning information and advice.

 
All about the fpa

Click here to download this resource material as a pdf file

  fpa (formerly The Family Planning Association) is the only registered charity working to improve the sexual health and reproductive rights of all people throughout the UK.

They work with the public and professionals to ensure high quality information and services are available to everyone who needs them. They have a comprehensive website, details of which are outlined below.

 
What is sexual health?
  Sexual health is not just about using contraception or avoiding infections. Sexual health means enjoying the sexual activity you want without causing yourself or anyone else suffering, physical or mental harm.

Making positive choices about contraception and sexual health is important not just for your physical health, but also for your general well-being. If you're anxious about your sexual health or unwell, this can have a knock-on effect on all aspects of your life - your work, your future and your relationships with your partners, family and friends.

This section on the fpa website gives a quick and easy access to facts and advice on sexual health and contraception, including:

  • a convenient and comprehensive guide to ALL methods of contraception with tips on what to do when something goes wrong.
  • if you're planning a pregnancy, some general advice on how to increase your chances of conceiving.
  • contraceptive choices available after you've had your baby.
  • sex education advice for parents and the legal facts.
  • where to go for help.
 
On the www.fpa.org.uk website:
  Don't panic! Visit 'I need help now' for advice if you think you may be pregnant or you had unprotected sex last night

Everything you wanted to know about the pill but were afraid to ask - a comprehensive guide to all methods of contraception

From abortion to emergency contraception - read what fpa has to say on the latest sexual health issues in 'News and Campaigns'

Expert information - find out how fpa membership can keep you in touch with the latest in contraception and sexual health

Professional development - our courses for health and social care professionals are listed in 'Training and Consultancy'

Sex stats and facts - find out what the fpa's unique library and information service offers in 'Information'

'fpa Direct' - Information on our comprehensive range of sex education, contraception and learning difficulties publications and information in 'Publications and Resources'.

The information on the fpa website is up-to-date and impartial. It provides many of the answers to frequently asked questions and helps individuals to better protect their reproductive health and fertility.

However, the website can only give you basic information about contraception and sexual health. It is based on the evidence and medical opinion available at the time this web site was produced.

Different people may give different advice on certain points. Remember - contact your doctor or a family planning clinic if you are worried or unsure about anything. Or call your national fpa helpline - see Where do I go for help? for contact details.

 
Websites

www.fpa.org.uk

www.ruthinking.co.uk

www.brook.org.uk

www.lovelife.uk.com

 
  Aware International Ltd - Aware sell underwear with 'secret pockets' for condoms

BPAS - How to access BPAS services to prevent or end unwanted pregnancy with contraception or by abortion.

Brook - Details of Brook's services and advice for young people on contraception, sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy.

Education for Choice - Details of Education for Choice's education and training resources on abortion from a pro-choice perspective.

Feel - View a gallery of many of fpa's successful campaigns which have been created by Feel Agency.

Fertility UK - Information and advice on natural family planning.

FP Sales Ltd - Mail-order service for contraceptives, medical equipment and supplies.

likeitis - Interactive website for young people from Marie Stopes.

LoveLife - For 16-24 year-olds, LoveLife offers straightforward advice on safer sex, HIV and other sexual infections.

Margaret Pyke Centre - Details of family planning clinics, plus training courses for professionals and research funded by the Margaret Pyke Memorial Trust.

Marie Stopes - Information for public and professionals on services including contraception; sterilisation; abortion and health screening.

National AIDS Trust - Details of National AIDS Trust (NAT) projects, research and campaign work to help prevent HIV/AIDS and improve the lives of people with the infection.

National Children's Bureau - The National Children's Bureau's comprehensive site mainly for professionals working with children and young people, including projects and research. Also based at NCB's site is the Sex Education Forum, which offers support and guidance on sex and relationships education for teachers and parents.

Planned Parenthood Federation - Facts and information from International Planned Parenthood Federation which campaigns to improve worldwide sexual and reproductive health.

Reproductive Health Alliance - Organisation working with local communities around the globe to improve reproductive health and increase people's reproductive choices.

Ruthinking - Web-site for young people providing information on safer sex, contraception, abortion and STIs.

Shastd - A-Z of STIs and a list of faqs, plus information for professionals.

Terrence Higgins Trust - Information on Terrence Higgins Trust's work in health promotion and direct support to people in the UK with HIV and their carers.

Voice for Choice - How you can support Voice for Choice's campaign calling for reform of abortion law in the UK.

World AIDS Day - News of the World AIDS Day campaign set up to promote HIV and AIDS awareness, particularly to young people.

Phonelines - Sexwise confidential advice line 0800 282930 (7am - midnight)

NHS Direct 0845 4647 - NHS information and advice service, providing advice and details of medical services including where to go for emergency contraception.

Sexual health direct helpline 0845 310 1334 (Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm) - Confidential information and advice on contraception and sexual health and details of family planning and sexual health clinics.

Sexual Health Link 0800 567123 (24 hours) - Free confidential advice on HIV and other sexually transmitted infections

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