HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is calling for young people in seven regions across England to get involved in a sex and relationships education project.  THT is looking for 13-19 year olds in London, the West Midlands, South East, South West, North West, Yorkshire & Humberside, and the East of England to make up a board of twelve people in each region who will work on the Young Leaders project.

Each of the seven boards will manage a grant giving scheme which funds sex and relationship education (SRE) projects. Board members also offer training on SRE to help young people deliver their projects. The aim is for young people to educate their peers so all the projects funded will be created and run by other teenagers.  

As well as increasing knowledge on sexual health, the project will help young people develop the skills to make informed and healthy decisions around relationships and sex.  It will also build their vocational and project management skills.  Board members receive comprehensive training and work towards achieving a recognised Open College Network (OCN) accreditation in ‘Sex and Relationship Education’ and ‘Developing Group and Teamwork Communication Skills’.

This is the third year that Young Leaders has been running and previous board members have gained a huge amount from being involved. Young Leaders recently won the 2009 Brook Award for ‘Best UK Sexual Health Project of the Year’. 

Matt Hale, a Young Leader on the South West board said: "The Young Leaders project is really fun and informative. We get to do loads of cool things such as going on residentials where we do outdoor activities. Young Leaders has really broadened my horizons and I’ve met loads of great people from different backgrounds.  The way we learn about sex and relationships in the sessions is really good as we play games and do lots of different, fun activities."

There are Young Leaders boards in seven regions of England.  Over the last two years, boards have funded hundreds of SRE projects created by young people and given out £90,000.  Projects have included plays, workshops, leaflets and DVDs on all aspects of sex and relationships. 

Gareth Davies, Young Leaders Participation Manager at Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) said “Young Leaders takes a fresh approach to sex and relationships education.  It’s run by young people, for young people, and we aim to make a real difference.  If you’re interested in getting involved, please come along to one of our recruitment events and find out what it’s all about! "
 
Those who are interested in joining Young Leaders should sign up to attend one of the recruitment events being held in each of the regions to find out more.

For further information on Young Leaders or to attend one of the events please visit www.tht.org.uk/youknowyou

Journalists who require further information can contact Sally Sharpe on 020 7812 1625 / sally.sharpe@tht.org.uk  or Lucy Handford on 020 7812 1623 / lucy.handford@tht.org.uk

Notes to editors

• Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s largest HIV and sexual health charity with centres across England, Scotland and Wales. We're here to provide information and advice about HIV and sexual health and offer a range of services including sexual health checks, counselling and support groups.  We campaign for a world where people with HIV live healthy lives, free from prejudice and discrimination and we promote good sexual health as a right and reality for all. Terrence Higgins Trust relies on donations to deliver a wide range of services. To make a donation, visit www.tht.org.uk