Resource
BLUSH workshops
Our co-facilitated youth educator teams engage youth on topics they know are important for youth to talk freely about such as relationships, safer sex options, confidence around open communication, gender and identity, factors that influence decision-making, and personal boundaries. All workshops end with a discussion about sexual consent and a demonstration of inclusive barrier use.
We facilitate these topics with great pride and enthusiasm because talking about issues related to sexual health and wellness is not only important but exciting!
There are lots to blush about, including first crushes, experimentation, pleasures, learning awesome facts etc. We match our bold approach with empathy for how speaking candidly can be tricky sometimes so we stay sensitive to varying comfort zones, diverse cultural backgrounds, and different levels of understanding.
Healthy Relationships
At BLUSH, we believe the only way to have Healthy Relationships is first to understand bodily autonomy and consent. We have built an experiential program to explore how we engage in the world and how to do that with bodily autonomy and consent at the forefront.
Workshop overview:
- Icebreaker
- Activity: Experiential practice of saying “No” in a consent setting
- Activity: Experiential practice of receiving a “No” graciously
- Learning point: Understanding the nuances of coercion and how coercion can lead to sexual assault
- Learning point: Addressing bystander interventions while building a culture of consent
- Activity: Talking about safer sex, Inclusive barrier demos, youth clinics
Objectives:
- To understand the Importance of bodily autonomy
- To understand how to address consent positively and affirmatively
- To understand clear consent guidelines through experiential practice
- To understand how to work toward building a culture of consent
- To learn how barriers work & become aware of community resources
Safer Sexy
We explore issues and situations that add to the complexity of negotiating safer sex, discuss the facts associated with sexual activities and help students develop effective communication skills. This session is recommended for grades 9s.
Workshop Overview:
- Icebreakers to get youth comfortable with sharing their thoughts
- Activity: Exploring the ‘STI Pyramid’
- Activity: Exploring the ‘Sex Brainstorm’
- Activity: Exploring the ‘STI Equation’ & ‘Continuum’
- Activity: Talking about safer sex, Inclusive barrier demos, youth clinics
Objectives:
- To understand the importance of clear communication and routine STI testing
- To explore the social and emotional outcomes of sexual decision making
- To support recognition of low risk vs moderate risk vs high-risk sexual activities
- To develop an awareness of different interests & understanding rules of consent
- To learn how barriers work & become aware of community resources
Media Literacy
Our newest workshop explores the impact of sexualized media and supports youths' ability to develop skills to engage more critically to minimize the influence and realize opportunities for safer choices. This is recommended for Grade 10s.
Workshop Overview:
- Icebreakers to get youth comfortable with sharing their thoughts
- Activity: Defining ‘Media Literacy’ and brainstorming various media sources
- Activity: Exploring sexualized media messages and discussing their impacts
- Activity: Exploring the differences between the ‘Real World’ & ‘Media World’
- Activity: Talking about safer sex, Inclusive barrier demos, youth clinics
Objectives:
- To understand the concept of media literacy and its importance
- To develop critical thinking skills around being sexualized media literate
- To deconstruct media messages and consider their wellness impacts
- To unpack all how sexualized media messages can affect health
- To learn how barriers work & become aware of community resources
Customized workshops for youths & adults
We are always open to working with community groups, organizations, or post-secondary institutions interested in content geared toward a specific audience.
Feedback
Have you seen a BLUSH workshop recently? Well, we would love to hear your thoughts! Thanks so much for sharing with us and for taking the time. We appreciate it!
Please take this survey if you are a youth who has seen one of our workshops.
Please take this survey if you are a teacher, counsellor or adult who has seen one of our workshops.
Book a workshop
All workshop booking requests are made by emailing joanna.dauz@vch.ca and blush@vch.ca.
If you have a workshop-related question or wish to communicate with someone regarding your booking, please send your inquiries to blush@vch.ca.
Vancouver Coastal Health
340 – 520 West 6th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H5
Frequently Asked Questions
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What preparations do we need for a BLUSH workshop?
Our workshops require the following:
- a minimum of 80 minutes to run a full workshop,
- access to a whiteboard or chalkboard,
- space where desks or tables can all be moved to the side (no science labs, etc., please) to allow ample space for students to create a circle with their chairs and engage in our interactive activities.
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Is supervision required during BLUSH workshops?
Yes. We ask that a teacher or counsellor be present during the workshop, as per School Board policy. Youth Educators are trained in classroom management, and teachers are there to support the Youth Educators if and when support is needed.
The Youth Educators will report to the main office a full 10 minutes prior to your scheduled workshop(s) and will await escort to the respective room(s), unless otherwise requested/arranged.
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Is there a cost for a BLUSH workshop?
The short answer is no. In previous years, BLUSH has had a cost, and we have taken some time to reconsider this and have reassessed the cost placed on schools. We at BLUSH want to provide our much-needed service of Peer-Led and Facilitated Sexual Health education with as little barrier and as much access as possible.
That being said, we at BLUSH want to thank all that have supported us over the years and those that will openly access our services in the years to come.
Curriculum guidance
We have created BLUSH curriculum in consultation with BC’s Prescribed Learning Outcomes. It is also aligned with the Vancouver School Board’s Standards and Guidelines for Implementation of Sexual Health Education. We are sharing this policy because VSB is the largest school board in the district, has been very proactive about developing a guiding policy that is based on best practice, and because most of our workshop happen within VSB schools.
Our topics of concentration are also influenced by the provincial Ministry of Education Curricula.