Game Changer: Film
A short film for teenagers with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) which explores online safety, relationships and sexual health.
Synopsis
Laced with humour, Game Changer explores the important issues around relationships in an engaging and informative way. The film follows Juliet and Geoff as they begin to form a special relationship. We see them negotiate obstacles to their happiness at home, in the sensory garden at after-school club, and online in their favourite video game, Earth Guardians.
The video has been designed to enable discussions in the classroom on a wide range of topics including: online safety, appropriate behaviour and touching, masturbation, independence, relationships and love, and sex and the law. The drama also underlines how important it is to seek advice from trusted friends, family members and professionals.
“It really gets lots of messages across to the viewer and at the right pace for the intended audience; its lovely” - Carol Williams, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust
“Wow! That was brilliant. The kids smashed it, feel very proud of them all. Great job everyone!” - Matt Webb, teacher, Elmwood School
Created in creative consultation with young people and staff from Pool Hayes Academy and Elmwood School in Walsall and local health professionals.
Topic Areas: Online safety, appropriate behaviour and touching, masturbation, relationships and love, independence, seeking advice from trusted adults, and sex and the law.
Top Tips
Health professional Elaine Syratt
- Agree some ground rules with young people at the beginning of the session and display them in the room. I always say I will not be discussing my personal life and I will not be asking anyone to share their own personal information in the session. This often puts young people at their ease and should prevent any awkward or personal questions directed at the deliverer.
- While the subject is sensitive the film is dramatic as well as informative, and this usually puts pupils at their ease.
- Agree with the students that we will not make any personal comments about our peers or family e.g. Charlie sends photos to..... . If a student does start to discuss a person you can quickly remind them about the ground rules.
The Whole School Approach
The resources available on this website have been developed in the context of a Whole School Approach to Relationships and Sex Education.
In Walsall we have found that this approach achieves the most successful positive outcomes for young people. Before using them we strongly recommend that practitioners consider the following:
• RSE/SRE policy
• Referral pathway for vulnerable young people
• RSE/SRE/PSHE curriculum
• Engagement of partners e.g. NHS specialists
• Staff confidence and current CPD opportunities
• Current National recommendations –policies, national curriculum etc.
Check out our Further Resources section to see if you can find any other helpful teaching materials.
Signposting
Walsall Sign-posting
Independent support services for people who are being abused, have been abused, or have other specific needs.
The Cedar Centre Walsall The Rock Centre, 27-31 Lichfield Street, Walsall, WS1 1TE
info@blackcountrywomensaid.co.uk 01922 649 569
Electric Palace
Specialist centre for young people, providing education, support and youth activities
Blakenall community Centre, Blakenall Row, WS3 1LW 01922 712069GP’s
Your local GP’s offer a free and confidential service.
Walsall integrated Sexual Health (WiSH)
Pleck Road, Walsall, WS2 9ES (opposite main entrance to Walsall Manor Hospital)
To book an appointment or find details of clinic times please visit www.walsallsexualhealth.co.uk or alternatively call: 01922 270400
Teenage Pregnancy Team
Has two main aims to prevent/reduce teenage pregnancy and to support teenage parents and their children.
Phone: 01922 602330 Email: tpt@walsallhealthcare.nhs.uk
Offer free condoms, pregnancy testing and general counselling
55 Upper Forster Street, Walsall, WS4 2ABOffer Telephone 01922 649000 (24 hours)
Chat Health
A text service that allows you to talk to a School Nurse about your issues. Text 07480 635363
Black Country Impact
Free training and help finding work if you are aged 16-29 and live in the Black Country.
Call 01922 654364 or email bcimpact@walsall.gov.uk Alternatively, you can visit the Impact Hub Walsall which is a drop in service based at St. Pauls Crossing, Unit 3, Darwall Street WS1 1DA.
The Hub is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm
