Split Banana

Some new bits that we’ve been working on: 🧱 Our Build Up RSHE package - offering multi-year support, comprehensive teacher training and access to ready-to-use resources, enabling you to embed outstanding practise across your school. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/ecRxxz-9. 🍌 New and improved RSHE workshops - including a new way to talk about s3x and intimacy which prioritises respect, enjoyment, comfort and safety. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/ejzwH8Ct. 🤓 An exciting and ever-growing menu of CPD training sessions, including our bestselling How To: Discuss Gender and How To: Reduce Harmful S3xual Behaviours. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eRT7guFh. 🎓 Our flagship Navigating Consent for University Students training - co-created with students from Murray Edwards College and developed year-on-year in response to evolving pedagogy. We’re offering 10% off all 24-25 bookings if you confirm with us before October half term! Spaces are filling up, so say hello@splitbanana.co.uk and we would love to get you booked in.

This summer I’ve been been re-designing Split Banana’s workshops and trainings, ready to kick off in September. This is one my favourite jobs, as I get a chance to reflect on the year and to feed these reflections directly back into our work. It’s also a rare opportunity for me to justify some non-stop reading. I thought I’d share with you a couple of books which I found particularly interesting, inspiring and informative during this process… 📖 Sons and Others by Tanaka Mhishi 📖 “What many [gender-based violence prevention programmes] lack is the will to engage with the substantial portion of young men who will be the victims of violence of many kinds; racial, sexual an economic, and who are offered a vision of manhood which does not involve the right to safety and protection.” This is a read which manages to balance difficult topics with sensitivity, humour and boundless insight. Mhishi’s book outlines the many ways in which society continues to fail male survivors of sexual violence. He goes beyond this and invites us to imagines what care and education we can be providing as parents, educators, partners and friends. This has been huge in terms of our pedagogy and for my own personal reflections. 🚦 Consent by Justin Hancock🚦 Justin Hancock is a legend in the sex education space (we always end our sessions with recommending his website, BISH) and his book is one of the most accessible and comprehensive educational reads about consent that I’ve come across. His emphasis on freedom and power ensures that conversations around consent move beyond simple communication strategies, which we find students often get stuck on. Instead he clearly demonstrates how power dynamics, societal pressures and narratives are at play in all sexual experiences and can complicate consent in the moment. A must-read for any educator. If you also love nerding out on all things sex and relationships, head to our website to sign up to our newsletter for our monthly ‘Read/Watch/Listen’ recommendations!

We’re hiring more Workshop Facilitators to help us deliver our mission of providing inclusive, relevant RSHE to young people in the UK. If you’re passionate about RSHE, looking for a freelance role, are flexible, adaptable and keen to work with young people in secondary school settings, this role could be for you. Deadline to apply is 5pm Sunday 11th August 2024. Find out more at https://lnkd.in/gsiR4WEQ. If you have any questions or accessibility requirements, please get in touch on hello@splitbanana.co.uk 🍌

Terms exist to describe an experience - not to prescribe an experience. These terms help us describe identities that go beyond the traditional male-female binary. The importance of this language lies in its power to validate + support individuals, fostering an environment of respect + inclusion. Misunderstanding or misusing these terms can lead to feelings of alienation and disrespect. By educating ourselves + others about these terms, we contribute to a more inclusive, empathetic + respectful community where everyone can feel seen + valued.

The progress of trans and non-binary rights in the UK has been a story of resilience and gradual progress. From the early struggles highlighted by the 1970 Corbett v Corbett case, which restricted legal gender changes, to the landmark Goodwin v United Kingdom case in 2002 that spurred significant legal reforms, the fight for recognition has been challenging. The Gender Recognition Act of 2004 was a pivotal moment, granting trans individuals the right to legally change their gender. In recent years, milestones such as the first Trans Pride in Brighton in 2013 and the inclusion of gender identity in the 2021 census have marked significant strides towards inclusivity. However, challenges persist, particularly for non-binary individuals who continue to seek full legal recognition and equality. This journey underscores the importance of continued advocacy and awareness to build a more inclusive society for all gender identities.

RSHE Consultation: Your Voice Matters! We believe we must all work together to protect trans, non-binary and gender-questioning young people. We are asking everyone to respond to this consultation whether you’re an educational professional or not - our voices are most powerful when they’re together. By responding, you help ensure that the education provided addresses the diverse needs and concerns of students, parents, and educators. Your feedback can directly influence policy decisions and improve the overall quality of education. To participate, complete the online survey provided by the Department for Education. Share your experiences, suggestions, and concerns regarding the current RSHE curriculum. Be honest and detailed in your responses to provide valuable insights that can lead to meaningful changes. Voice your views here: https://lnkd.in/eajm8eNC

Setting and respecting boundaries is essential for young people as they navigate their personal and social lives. Boundaries help define personal comfort zones and communicate needs and limits to others. For young individuals, understanding how to set and respect these boundaries is crucial for building healthy, respectful, and safe relationships. Setting boundaries starts with self-awareness, allowing young people to recognise what makes them comfortable or uncomfortable and communicate their limits clearly and assertively. Respecting boundaries involves listening to and honouring others' limits, and fostering mutual respect and understanding. Teaching young people about boundaries helps protect their well-being and encourages them to stand up for themselves and others, creating a supportive community where everyone's rights and feelings are respected. This understanding lays the groundwork for respectful interactions and stronger, more meaningful connections throughout their lives.

This is a super common question because so many of us care about our impact on other people! It can be extra hard if we’re not sure how the other person will react or if there is some social pressure around the situation. What we don’t always realise, is when we try and protect someone’s feelings by not sharing how we really feel, sometimes it can actually make it more messy and confusing. Depending on the situation, there are a few things that might help: Remember that it’s okay for you to have different boundaries and desires from this other person; what we want doesn’t always have to match up. - Recognising if there is any external pressure (e.g. from friends or social expectation) that is making it more difficult, and talking to someone you trust about that. - Practicing saying no with people we trust or about small things can help build confidence. At the end of the day though, you can’t control how the other person will feel or react. This is why I want to focus on thinking about the question from the other side: What do we do if someone turns us down? - Feeling a bit rejected or disappointed is pretty common, but we have to remember that the other person doesn’t owe us anything, and actually it is a really good sign that this person is being honest with us. - We can practise receiving rejection gracefully, even being grateful that the other person expressed themselves when that isn’t always easy to do. - If it was a specific request that was rejected, but you both still want to stay in connection, perhaps you can ask them what they would like instead? If you’re an educator reading this, check out our blog for more advice on how you can approach questions like this!

Knowing what consent is and isn't is vital for young people, as it forms the foundation of healthy and respectful relationships. Consent means an enthusiastic, informed, and voluntary agreement to participate in an activity. It's not just about saying "yes" but also understanding and respecting personal boundaries, both their own and others'. Recognising what consent looks like involves clear communication, mutual agreement, and respect for one's autonomy and choices. Equally important is understanding what consent doesn't look like. This includes recognising situations where there is pressure, manipulation, or coercion. Consent cannot be given if someone feels threatened, is under the influence of substances, or lacks the capacity to make informed decisions. Learning to identify these scenarios helps young people protect themselves and others from harm and violation. Teaching young people about consent and its boundaries equips them with the tools to navigate relationships safely and respectfully. It promotes a culture of mutual respect and understanding, reduces the risk of abuse, and empowers individuals to assert their rights and recognise when those rights are being infringed upon. This knowledge is essential for fostering a safe and supportive environment where everyone’s boundaries are acknowledged and upheld.

Join us for our newly launched ‘Understanding Gender’ Training, designed for anyone working with or caring for young people. Book here: https://lnkd.in/e_RHHGhv This session will offer strategies for addressing contemporary issues such as combating rising misogyny, managing pressures related to masculinity, and supporting young people who are questioning their gender. We will look into different gender identities, including trans and non-binary, as well as the impact of gender stereotypes and gender-based discrimination. This online training will take place on the 16th of July from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm and costs £35. Additionally, we will share insights and techniques to help you design and deliver high-quality Relationship and Sex Education (RSE), understand its transformative potential, and build your confidence in responding to challenging questions. #rshetraining #education #Gendertraing #rshe #RSE #onlinetraining