2:10pm Saturday 13th March 2010
By Hayley Court
SEX education expert Gail McVicar has scooped a national award for her unique approach to the subject in schools.
Gail, pictured right, sex and relationships education lead for the Swindon Council’s healthy schools team, was recognised for the outstanding work she is doing to improve the lives of young people in the town.
She picked up the Brook UK sexual health professional of the year award at the charity’s annual awards dinner at Arsenal Football Club Emirates Stadium in London on March 4.
“I was just so overwhelmed,” she said.
“I do this job because I strongly believe we need to guide our children to help them make informed choices about sex.
“To get an award for it was so unexpected but is testament to all the hard work the healthy schools team put in to supporting young people in Swindon.”
Brook is the UK’s leading provider of sexual health services and advice for under 25s, helping them make informed, active choices about their personal and sexual relationships so they can enjoy their sexuality without harm.
The charity has 45 years of experience working with young people and now has a network of services in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Jersey.
Judge Ilse van Roy, business unit director of women’s health at Brook, said: “From what we have seen of Gail’s work, she obviously has an excellent ability to work with young people, professionals and parents effectively and is a respected and inspiring person.
“We have seen countless examples of where her work has protected and empowered young people and have awarded this title accordingly.”
In her four years at Swindon Council Gail, who has a background in youth work and theatre production, has led a tour of educational production Sexploration around Swindon’s schools and colleges, showing young people how to overcome issues they may face through the medium of theatre.
She and the healthy schools team have also developed sexual health peer educators; young people who are trained about sexual health and informed choices and pass that knowledge on among others in the same age group.
Gail is also a strong advocate of lesbian gay bisexual and transgender needs through her work with Swindon Pride Youth.
“It is wonderful to have this recognition and a great honour, considering I am just doing my job.” she said.
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