Choices began a Sex and Relationships education programme for Islington schools in 2005.

We have a trained team of six volunteer educators. We use an education project called Evaluate, a set of dynamic, relevant and interactive multi-media presentations which empower young people to make healthy informed choices and supports them in saving sex for a long term committed relationship.

The strength of this programme lies in tying relationship values to teaching on sex and sexual health and enabling young people to consider the value and meaning of sex as part of a relationship.

The Evaluate programme

• examines media influence, peer pressure, drugs and alcohol and their effects on decision-making
• provides knowledge about pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, HIV and contraception
• assists young people in developing life skills, building self esteem and understanding relationships

The Islington Evaluate team also offers follow-up seminars for individual classes focusing on relationship values and self esteem.

Some comments from Year 12 pupils

“Gave me more understanding”

“Very good - explained a lot”

“Made me think more about what I really want”

“Helped me learn more about the risks”

“Helped to look at where you’re going in life”

The schools work is well monitored through the use of student feedback forms which assess the impact of the presentation on the choices they will make with respect to sex and relationships and their understanding of the risks and how to avoid them.

For more information contact: Mary Turner, Choices Schools Worker at mary.evaluate@choicesislington.org

To learn more about the Evaluate programme visit www.evaluate.org.uk