
Supporting our teenagers to build healthy relationships
Healthy Relationships:-
Supporting your young person through Adolescence
Having healthy relationships is a key factor in our overall health and well-being. Adolescence can be a very exciting time but for many it can also be a time of turmoil particularly when it comes to relationships. Keeping the channels of communication open is very important for a young person so that they will feel that they can talk to you if they need your help or support.
In many communities across Donegal there are programmes available for young people that focus on relationships. For example, Foróige provide a personal development and sex education programme known as the “Real U”. This is about equipping young people with the skills, knowledge and confidence to develop healthy relationships and delay the onset of early sexual activity. Informal sex education can be an important and effective way of enhancing young people’s knowledge, attitudes and behaviour.
Topics covered with young people include puberty, body image, reproduction, sexuality, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, relationships, boundaries and emotional well-being. While the programme is designed to be used with young people aged 12-18 years in a group work setting there may be opportunities to provide this on an individual basis. The programme helps young people develop key skills in making positive decisions and communication to promote positive well-being and confidence in relationships.
If you feel that your son/daughter would benefit from becoming involved in the programme feel free to contact Susan McLoughlin 086 6064291
LGBT
If your child has told you that they are LGBT then that shows their trust for you. It is important to believe them, and to remember that being LGBT is not a lifestyle choice. If you think your child may be LGBT it is not recommended to ask them directly, as they may not know themselves, or may not be ready to tell anybody yet. It can be a difficult time for young people who are trying to come to terms with who they are, and worrying about being accepted. Talking openly about LGBT issues indirectly may help them to feel more comfortable about opening up in the future.
Lesbian, gay and bisexual are sexual orientations, while transgender refers to having a different gender identity than the gender they were assigned at birth.
If you are a parent who is finding it hard to come to terms with your child’s sexuality or gender identity, or want to know how best to support them there are several great online Irish resources that can help.
BreakOUT is a Donegal Youth Service project for young LGBT people which provides one-to-one support, peer support, weekly drop-ins, training and more. Contact Sinead Murray on 0861247968 for more information.
Loving Our Out Kids (formerly Parents’ Support) is a support service for parents of LGBT children. They offer phone support, and also have many resources for parents about understanding LGBT and how to best support their child. www.lovingouroutkids.org
Belong To is an Irish service for young LGBT people who also provide information and resources for parents. www.belongto.org
Intimate Partner Violence
Intimate partner violence can happen in any relationship, gay or straight, to any gender and at any age. However young people aged 15-24, are more likely to experience abuse in a relationship than any other age group. Most adults who experience domestic violence have already experienced intimate partner violence for the first time when they were younger. “60% of people who have experienced severe abuse in intimate relationships experienced abuse for the first time under the age of 25” (National Crime Council & ESRI, 2005). Intimate partner violence includes emotional, sexual and physical abuse.
If you are concerned about intimate partner violence in your young person’s relationship you can contact Donegal Youth Service who offer a listening ear support service, and information for both young men and young women who may be dealing with these issues in their relationship. They can offer guidance and support to other local services as well, as DYS strive to provide early intervention to limit the effects of intimate partner violence. This service is connected with Donegal Women’s Domestic Violence Service and Amen. For more information contact Louise or Frankie on 074 91 29630