Sticky Stuff
February 2023
Hi Caddyshackers,
Who doesn’t love a sticky sexual health conversation, tripping over words, getting tongue-tied, and flushing… did someone turn up the heating?!
The aim of our Sticky Stuff online health education sessions is to reduce this fluster and help you to find a way to have some fun with these conversations.
What is Sticky Stuff?
Great question, I would love to tell you!
Sticky Stuff originally began back in 2014 and is training that was developed in partnership between Yfoundations and NSW Health. The aim of Sticky Stuff is to prepare anyone in a youth-facing position for a sexual health conversation with a young person by providing tools, tips and tricks alongside games, resources, and heaps more.
Ok, but why Sticky Stuff?
Sticky Stuff was established out of a need to get information to young people as they are one of the population groups at the highest risk of contracting an STI or taking unnecessary risks. And who better to assist in getting this messaging through than those who are there working with young people.
These conversations are best when they’re organic; they can be light-hearted or more serious, but either way, they should involve a non-judgmental, safe space and honest conversation.
What do people say about Sticky Stuff?
One participant’s comment when asked about the most important thing they had learnt was
“Ways to begin a conversation about sexual health that isn’t confronting or uncomfortable”.
Sticky Stuff has been through a few changes over time, responding to the needs of young people and workers, feedback from various sources, and let’s not forget the impact COVID-19 had.
wait, who runs sticky stuff?
We have seen a few different faces at the helm, including me; I’m Megan, lovely to meet you 😊
Before I get too much further into the Sticky Stuff journey, I should just say hey and introduce myself.
The short and tall of my story is this; I was a Sexual Health nurse here in Sydney prior to becoming the Health Promotion and Training Coordinator at Yfoundations. I have two incredibly wicked teenage daughters. Take that wicked as you please; sometimes they’re awesome, and sometimes they’re awful.
I have a background working with young people in a diverse range of spaces; I love my Indie Folk music but will also go hard if Darude comes on too (early 20s flashbacks, anyone?). For a little ‘me time’ I lift weights; it helps me not only physically but mentally… my god, the mind is a strong tool. And I am the current face of Sticky Stuff training and have been for the last 3 years.
When participants are asked what the best aspect of the training was, comments such as, “The knowledge and engageable nature of the trainer” can often be seen. I certainly try my best.
Now back to Sticky Stuff.
Since the webinars began in July 2020, we have had 1,343 participants attend the sessions. That’s a lot of people!
Two of these sessions saw us return face-to-face this year.
Woohoo, real people!
I love active participation from attendees in any session, questions that challenge me or provide insight etc. I believe that this is an opportunity for me to grow and learn also, and I love that.
We regularly receive comments from participants such as the following,
“Thank you for such an informative and knowledgeable training, and the tools and resources to back it up”
“The information was relevant, clear and concise”.
Fab, so what’s the aim?
The aim of Sticky Stuff sessions is to empower participants to engage in these very important conversations with young people. To ensure that even if you don’t know the answer, you’ll know where to find it.
When asked what could be implemented in their workplace from the training, one attendee wrote,
“Youth appropriate online resources. How to open conversations about sexual health with young people”.
Why do sticky stuff?
Because I don’t do boring or as one participant said,
“Megan was knowledgeable and engaging across all the many topics. Handled all the impromptu questions live with candour and still finished on time. Brilliant!”.
So join us for “a well crafted and exceptionally well delivered training program”
When is the next sticky stuff?
The next online session coming up in the Illawarra Shoalhaven will be from 10am to 1pm on Thursday, 2nd March.
Oh, and did I say it’s free?!
See you there!
Megan from Yfoundations
Caddyshack team here - special thank you to our guest blogger Megan!
If you can’t make Sticky Stuff in March, please email Jen and she will connect you with Megan to see if she has space at other sessions around NSW that you can join online.
Catch you next month.
Peace, Love & Protection
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