Help, I'm Hairy: A film and teaching pack
'Help I'm Hairy' is very popular in Walsall schools and across the UK because teachers have found it highly accessible and useful. Many schools also use it with Year 7 pupils, particularly the section on hygiene. We hope it will inform and help your young people.
Synopsis
The film begins with a curious young pupil noticing things are becoming strange at school and home: emotions are running high and everything seems to be changing. Could it be hormones? Two students and a school health advisor take us on a journey to reveal the facts behind the myths about puberty, and how to survive it. The film ends with a standalone section on 'Transition to secondary school'.
NB: The film comes in two versions, and the longer version contains ‘Private Parts’ which deals with erections and wet dreams (duration 1 minute) while the shorter version omits this section. Many schools choose to use this resource with Year 7 pupils and to this end we have incorporated resources developed by Ormiston Shelfield Community Academy.
“I have used ‘Help I’m Hairy’ for the last 3 years. I found it very difficult to find an appropriate resource that wasn’t too detailed, and which was aimed at young people (as opposed to young children). This film did exactly that.” Tina Lloyd, teacher, Walsall
Take a look at our Top Tips before delivering your sessions.
Topic Areas: Body hair, body changes, male and female reproductive organs, periods and sanitary protection, hygiene, peer pressure, emotional changes, relationships and friendships, myths, transition to secondary school. OPTIONAL: erections and wet dreams
Top Tips
Elaine Syratt
- I like to 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.
- It’s very useful to divide the film into chapters so you can omit a section if it doesn’t sit well in your schools RSE / SRE policy.
- This resource provides lesson plans and resources you can photocopy, with clear guidance on how to use the films in a programme of work. All the hard work has been done for you.
- I like to agree that we will not reveal any personal information about ourselves or other pupils e.g. Megan has already started her periods. If a student does start to discuss a person you can quickly remind them about the ground rules.
Tina Lloyd
I have used ‘Help I’m Hairy’ as a base for ‘Puberty’, I found it very difficult to find an appropriate resource that was not too detailed and was also aimed at young people (as opposed to young children). ‘Help I’m Hairy’ did exactly that.
- Familiarise yourself with this resource before viewing with your students
- Laugh with the students in appropriate places and pause, repeat, skip the film wherever necessary.
- Always be prepared. You may be asked questions you are not comfortable answering so prepare some ideas beforehand. Alternatively, students may not wish to discuss anything during the first session so ensure they understand that they will have opportunities to ask questions at appropriate times in the future.
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:
• SRE policy
• Referral pathway for vulnerable young people
• 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 extra helpful teaching material.
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
