A Peckham-based charity, that ensures young people in the borough are taught inclusive sex education which is also LGBTQ+ friendly, has received £30,000 to carry on their work.
Split Banana delivers Relationship, Sex and Health Education (RSE) by running creative workshops with young people, training educators and consulting with schools and community organisations on their RSE provision.
The charity received this award as a result of its inclusive, LGBTQIA+-friendly sex education work with young people across the borough and beyond.
Co-founder of Split Banana, Matilda Lawrence-Jubb said the journey has not been without its barriers, with some organisations ‘spreading misinformation’ about what they teach.
“Recently, we have seen pushback on RSE from some organisations and media campaigns, which have spread misinformation about what is actually being taught in schools,” she said.
“What they seem to be missing is that teaching RSE is a safeguarding priority: it helps young people to understand their bodies and boundaries better, to be able to articulate discrimination and abuse when it happens.”
She said they are ‘delighted’ to be able to carry on their vital work. “It’s important that young people have safe, educational spaces to explore topics related to relationships and sex.
“This includes learning what we want from relationships; recognising what makes us feel comfortable and uncomfortable in romantic and sexual situations; understanding that porn is not a realistic representation of sex; celebrating differing bodies; sexualities and perspectives and caring for our bodies and minds better.”
Since 2019, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) has been mandatory in the UK – so all secondary schools are expected to provide it.
But Matilda explained not all schools and teachers feel prepared to do this.
“A lot of them haven’t been given the training or resources to feel confident delivering the subject.”
They also focus on delivering the most inclusive services possible, which they see as crucial given a recent poll (Sex Education Forum Poll 2022), where 54% of students reported that they’re not being taught enough about themes like LGBTQIA+ experiences.
“We provide RSE which is relevant to young people, and train teachers to feel more confident having safe, inclusive conversations.”
The funding of £30,000 has been made possible by The Fore – a funder of small charities at the hearts of our communities.
“This grant will make a real difference to young people in Southwark, helping them to build better relationships with their minds, bodies and each other. We look forward to seeing the charity grow as a result of our support,” said Mary Rose Gunn, Chief Executive of The Fore.