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Safer Choices

Safer Choices is a sexual health project for young people led by young people.

Safer Choices addresses inequalities in sexual and reproductive health and HIV, increases knowledge and awareness and addresses stigma associated with sexual and reproductive health and HIV.

Our sex education resources have been produced to enable young people to take charge of their sexual health and understand safer relationships.

Sex Education Video

We use gender-inclusive language throughout the video to ensure all audiences feel represented and respected. Our Sex Education video covers:

Safe Sex
Contraception
Relationships
Consent
Your Body
Menstration
Masturbation and Pleasure
Sexuality
Porn
Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Downloadable Resources

Why inclusive sex education is important

It is essential to provide inclusive, high-quality sex education. While conversations about sex can feel uncomfortable, avoiding them only reinforces taboos and leaves young people to educate themselves through unreliable sources.

By using the YMCA Derbyshire Safer Choices resources, you can change the trajectory of Sex Education, ensuring young people feel educated and empowered when it comes to their sexual health.

We asked young people about their experience of Sex Education:

"If I could sum up my experience of Sex Education in one word, it would be...self taught. I ended up in some bad situations because I didn't know what consent was."

Young Person

"Sex Ed at school was fairly lacking, and we didn't learn about STI's or contraception, I don't think I have ever seen a condom or dental dam, or any kind of protection at all?"

Young Person

"We were told a man and a woman does it. There was no mention that gay people could do it too."

Young Person

"I didn't have 'the talk' with my parents so I learnt through watching TikToks or asking friends."

Young Person

The risks of poor sex education

Poor understanding of consent – People may not fully grasp boundaries, mutual agreement, or what healthy communication looks like, which can lead to harmful or coercive situations.
Unrealistic expectations shaped by pornography – Without accurate education, many turn to porn as a primary source of information, which often presents distorted views of bodies, performance, and relationships.
Higher risk of STIs – Lack of knowledge about protection, testing, and transmission increases the spread of sexually transmitted infections.
Unplanned pregnancies – Without understanding contraception and reproductive health, people are more likely to experience unintended pregnancies.
Sexual dissatisfaction – Limited knowledge about bodies, pleasure, and communication can lead to unfulfilling experiences.
Shame and guilt – Taboos and misinformation can create negative feelings around sex and one’s own body.
Unhealthy behaviours – This can include risky decision-making, lack of respect for partners, or difficulty forming healthy relationships.
Increased vulnerability to harm – Without education, individuals may be less able to recognise manipulation, pressure, or abusive dynamics.