“When we don’t consent to flirting, when it’s not reciprocated and it’s repeated, it is harassment. Hissing “slut” at women is harassment. Rape threats online is harassment.” A contribution by Aylssa Cowell There are only two legitimate reasons for sex: fun or procreation. I cannot think of any other circumstance for it to be okay […]
Read More Thinking about ConsentRelationships & Sex Education was a massive part of my previous work history. Until I moved to Brunei in 2014 I trained professionals in the UK in loads of different courses freelance or in partnership with the NHS. Since I’ve been out here I haven’t done much sexual health training at all. Maybe once a […]
Read More Training RSE in AsiaI worry sometimes about young people and technology. No not for the reasons you might think of straight away. Not the sexting. Not the access to explicit content. Not the bullying. Not the myriad of horrendous people online. I’ve seen young people take down and deal with all of that spectacularly – its a world […]
Read More Navigating Tech and RelationshipsIn light of the renewed interest in the allegations against Michael Jackson, I thought I’d post this discussion from back in 2013 when I was interviewed for a Brook project on talking about sexual pleasure within Relationships and Sex Education. As Steve also says, children and young people who are sexually abused or exploited do […]
Read More Talking about consent & pleasure is essential to safeguard young peopleI can’t surf. Pretty much because I lack confidence mainly due to my utter dislike of water up my nose and behind my contact lenses. So every year I have a go, then 10 goes into trying to stand I go off in a huff and don’t do it again for another year. My partner […]
Read More Surfing Brunei2017 was a very difficult year for me – I learnt a lot from almost falling down a very dark hole and the struggle to get back out. So when 2018 came along I found myself in the first couple of months trying things I’d never done before. Now whether this is a direct result […]
Read More Challenge 2018 & Looking to 2019An holds a unique piece of hand crafted pottery in her hands. It depicts a woman kneeling and as she explains is has only had a base coat of paint on it; it is ready for the detail – the rest of the story to be added. Four women, she explains, were involved in the […]
Read More Self-compassion & the importance of self-care. (SE Asia School Counselling Conference 2018.)Cuddle your pet Do 20 star jumps Drink warm milo Walk around your house Smell your favourite perfume Stretch as high as you can Try to touch your toes Sing Dance to an upbeat song Be silly Look at a photo of a happy time Have a shower Have a snack Draw something simple & […]
Read More 72 Five Minute Stress Relief IdeasIt’s that time of year again. Students with signatures all over crisp white school shirts. One day they are here; the next there’s an empty seat where your friend used to be. And this happens over and over again, until one day you may decide that what’s the point in making new friends – it’s […]
Read More A Letter to the StayersI recently read “The Happiness Project” by Gretchin Rubin and there’s a few things that have stuck with me from that book. Firstly – “the days are long but the years are short” meaning stop, look around or the world may pass you by (I think this really should be credited to Feris Bueller), secondly […]
Read More Do what you did when you were 10…