BLUSH: Bold Learning for Understanding Sexual Health
Related topics: Children and youth health Public Health resources for schools Sexual health
BLUSH provides opportunities for youth to explore attitudes, values, and behaviours that support sexual health and well-being for lifelong impact.
BLUSH is a peer-to-peer education program working with youth during the developmental window aged 12 to 18 to provide opportunities for youth to explore attitudes, values, and behaviours that support sexual health and well-being for lifelong impact.
About BLUSH
We acknowledge acknowledge that we live work and play on the unceded and ancestral lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), səlilwətaɬ (Isleil Waututh), and Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) First Peoples. We acknowledge that we are visitors on these territorial lands and for that we strive to tread lightly.
BLUSH has been delivering sexual health education to youth around the Lower Mainland for more than 20 years. You might know us by our old name – Condomania. Our service area includes Vancouver and Richmond. We serve secondary schools and also welcome workshop requests from youth groups and organizations that serve youth. Occasionally, we can serve areas outside Vancouver and Richmond when we have the capacity.
BLUSH is a peer-to-peer education program working with youth during the developmental window aged 12 to 18 to provide opportunities for youth to explore attitudes, values, and behaviours that support sexual health and well-being for lifelong impact.
Bold Learning for Understanding Sexual Health
We love “Bold Learning” because we believe in open, candid and unapologetic discussions around sex and sexual health.
We believe these topics are as vital as any other classroom subject, and our peer-to-peer approach is the best way to generate discussions and inspire learning.
For youth, by youth
Our program is youth-driven, meaning every aspect of it, from the curriculum, evaluation and branding, was developed in consultation with Youth Educators in addition to our prevention specialists.
We believe our Youth Educators know the students best and can advocate for the most valuable and relevant topics. Peer education is also shown to have the most impact in health promotion, literacy and education. G
Ethical stance and framework
At BLUSH we continue to strive to do the best work possible and to support that work in Sexual Health Education we make every effort to use Inclusive and Destigmatizing language that works to remove fear because words matter.
The framework in place in the BLUSH program that informs our practice is Reproductive Justice, a Decolonizing Approach, LGBT2SQIA+ informed, Disability Justice, Racial Justice all while using a lens of Intersectionality grounded in a Culture of Consent.
Our goal is to create programming that meets the needs of all participants no matter gender, orientation, race, ability, or class and this programming is research based with the use of precise and neutral language to assist in lessening the fear and stigma in Sexual Health Education.
Decolonizing Sexual Health Education Statement
At BLUSH we strive to move Sexual Health Education into the present moment and currently we are working on the understanding of the decolonization of Sexual Health Education. Read the full statement.
Workshops
BLUSH workshops encourage discussions about all the emotional and social considerations that come with being a sexual or non-sexual being in a relaxed, candid, non-judgmental and fun way!
Youth get the information they need from their older peers. BLUSH empowers a diverse and Inclusive group of youth educators to facilitate discussions and help give other youth tools to make informed, safe, and right choices for them. Our co-facilitated youth educator teams engage youth on topics they know are essential 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 discussing sexual consent and a demonstration of inclusive barrier use.
Booking a workshop
Email priya.dhaliwal@vch.ca and blush@vch.ca to book a BLUSH workshop or with any workshop-related questions.
Workshop topics
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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
Email joanna.dauz@vch.ca and blush@vch.ca to book a BLUSH workshop or with any workshop-related questions.
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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
Email joanna.dauz@vch.ca and blush@vch.ca to book a BLUSH workshop or with any workshop-related questions.
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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
Email joanna.dauz@vch.ca and blush@vch.ca to book a BLUSH workshop or with any workshop-related questions.
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Customized workshops for youth and adults
We are always open to working with community groups, organizations, or post-secondary institutions interested in content geared toward a specific audience.
Email joanna.dauz@vch.ca and blush@vch.ca to book a BLUSH workshop or with any workshop-related questions.
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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.
Email joanna.dauz@vch.ca and blush@vch.ca to book a BLUSH workshop or with any workshop-related questions.
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.
Resources
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Call SexSense
Free and confidential service that is staffed by registered nurses, clinical counsellors, and educators. Call 1-800-SEX-SENSE (1-800-739-7367) or 604-731-7803.
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QMUNITY
BC’s queer, trans, and Two-Spirit resource centre improves the lives of the LGBTQ2SAI+ community.
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Asexual Outreach Network
An international organization that provides the Asexual community with Tools and Resources to enable all to grow together toward a brighter future.
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The Native Youth Sexual Health Network (NYSHN)
An organization by and for Indigenous youth that works across issues of sexual and reproductive health, rights and justice throughout US and Canada.
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YouthCO
An organization of youth leaders within the HIV and Hep C movements.
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Spinal Cord Injury BC
Sexual health education for those with a spinal cord injury.
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Teen Health Source
A vast wealth of knowledge for teens about sexual health including blogs on birth control, PREP, DIY sex toys, anxiety, body image and more.
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UNYA: 2-Spirit Collective
Provides support, resources, and programming for Indigenous youth, ages 15 to 30, who identify as 2-spirit or LGBTQ+ and for those who are questioning their sexual or gender identities.
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Organization for Autism Research: Sex Ed for Self-Advocates
A sexuality and sex education resource written specifically for autistic people age 15 and up.
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You are Made of Medicine
A mental health peer support manual for Indigenous 2-spirit, LGBTQ+, and gender non-conforming Indigenous youth.
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Ace Inclusion Guide for High Schools
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Ace Inclusion Guide for High Schools
Provides educators with tools and knowledge to build inclusive environments for asexual students in their schools and communities.
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BLUSH poster downloads
Find an all ages Sexual Health Clinic near you
Want a place where you don’t have to worry about anyone knowing you’re in need of some sexual health guidance? A place where you won’t have to worry about feeling judged and a place that is used to helping people your age? Then VCH’s Sexual Health Clinics are for you!
Sexual Health Clinics are free and confidential, and staff is always willing to point you in the direction of available services. Many clinics also offer designated youth hours for people up to age 24 if you prefer.
And it doesn’t have to be just about sex… if you are feeling low or stressed, or just like you need to talk to someone, they can help connect you with a counsellor! Or, if you have questions about using substances in a safer way, or would like help to quit smoking, they can help with that too!
Learn more about Sexual Health Clinics and find one near you
Contact and 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.
If you have a workshop-related question or wish to communicate with someone regarding your booking, please send your inquiries to blush@vch.ca.
