What would Baden Powell say? Scouts to get trips to sex clinics

Oct 20 2008 By Laura Sharpe

THEY have always been taught to “be prepared” and, when it comes to sexual health, Scouts across Merseyside will from today also “be informed”.

The Scouting movement is encouraging its leaders to provide advice on sexually transmitted diseases and visits to sexual health clinics are now to be included in the Scouts’ activity programme.

New guidance will be circulated across Merseyside, including Birkenhead, which officially launched the world’s first two Baden-Powell Scout troops, in January, 1908.

The changes have been welcomed across the board and it is hoped the advice may help cut teenage pregnancy and abortion figures in the region.

Currently, 44 out of every 1,000 girls between 15 and 17 years old in Liverpool fall pregnant and 45% of these cases end in abortion. This compares to an England and Wales average of 40.9 per 1,000, with 48% of these leading to abortion.

Suggested activities for older Scout groups include discussions on different religious beliefs on sex and “how to say no” role plays.

Andrew Parle, Scout leader in Walton on the Hill scouts, in Liverpool, said: “We will be given guidance on how to give the correct advice to our members.

“The changes will affect the older Explorer Scouts, aged between 14-18, who tend to be more sexually active.

“These Scouts who are sexually active, or are approaching the age of consent, need to know about sexually transmitted diseases and how to make their own choices when it comes to sex.”

Mr Parle said he has been approached a few times in the past for advice, as the members often look to leaders as a confidant and friend.

Tom Meaney, 17, an Explorer Scout in Walton on the Hill, said: “There is less stigma about sexual health nowadays, and I think it’s great Scouting is moving with the times.

“It’s a better place to be taught than school because it is less formal and when you’re doing activities you are more relaxed and chat to the leaders.

“There are a lot of younger Scout leaders and I know the younger Scouts look to them as friends and would go to them for advice on sensitive subjects such as sexual health.”

The new fact sheet clarifies the role of adults in Scouting, and will outline where young people can obtain contraception and pregnancy testing.

It will also advise leaders on what to do if they suspect a young person feels exploited or coerced into a sexual relationship.

The move has been welcomed by ministers and health bosses. A spokesman for Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “As a provider of sexual health services in Liverpool, we believe that education is a positive step for young people.

“We know from experience that a lot of young people have questions about their sexual health, so talking about it and educating them appropriately is important if we are to help them stay safe and look after their health as they grow up.”

Beverley Hughes, Minister for Young People, said: “We warmly welcome the new advice.” While our teenage pregnancy rates are generally coming down across the country, there is much more to do to ensure young people have the knowledge they need to prevent early pregnancy and look after their sexual health.

The Scout Association, which has more than 450,000 members from every community, religious and social group, says it has always promoted responsible relationships among its youth movements.