Shadow minister’s WAES visit for unique project

Shadow public health minister Luciana Berger paid a visit to a unique project at WAES, which is making a difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities in Westminster.

The shadow minister, pictured with Deputy head of service Arinola Edeh (left) and Curriculum manager Marie-Helene Hunter (right), spent an afternoon at Westminster Adult Education Service to observe a ground-breaking project run by sexual health charity FPA and was given a guided tour of the facilities by staff of the college.

‘Good sexual health for people with learning disabilities’ is all about helping participants to understand more about sexuality, sexual health and safety, and have an increased awareness of their sexual rights. FPA also provides training and guidance for parents, carers, and support staff.

Project manager Miguel Tudela de la Fuente said: “It was fantastic to welcome the shadow minister to our session, which was all about good and bad touch, and what is appropriate with our family, friends, health professionals, and people we don’t know.”

“Unfortunately for many people with learning disabilities, issues around sexual health often crop up for the first time when there is a problem.

"Our project is all about empowering them to make their own decisions about the friendships and relationships they would like to form, with the appropriate support and information to do this safely.”

Arinola Edeh, Deputy Head of WAES said “Westminster Adult Education Service provides hundreds of learning opportunities across London. Our ground-breaking work with the FPA to teach people with learning disabilities about attitudes toward sex and sexual awareness further emphasises our commitment to adult learning”.

Ms Berger said: “I was delighted to visit this unique project to learn about the important work that FPA and Westminster Adult Education Service do to support people with learning disabilities.

“These sessions play a valuable role in equipping this often overlooked group with the skills and information they need to make informed choices about their sexual health and personal relationships. I hope to see more projects like this up and down the country.”

The sexual health charity FPA gives straightforward information, advice and support on sexual health, sex and relationships to everyone in the UK. FPA educates, informs and supports people through our specialist sexual health programmes, helpline and information service, counselling service, training and publications and public awareness campaigns.

To find out more about FPA visit their website.

To find out more about courses for people with learning difficulties and disabilities see our course listings.