Jean Nutt (Soroptimist International Central Birmingham) gave us an overview of her Loves Me, Loves Me Not presentation that she uses in schools to raise awareness of what a healthy relationship should feel like. The talk is aimed at years 8-11 (13-16 year olds) in an effort to reduce the risk of young people entering into an abusive relationship, being groomed or trafficked. It covers any relationships/diversity considerations and asks students to consider how they behave themselves, think about the behaviour of others towards them then to question whether they are treating each other appropriately.
Jean’s former profession as a teacher has helped to inform her approach to delivering a presentation of this type to students of this age range. She has found ways of role-playing situations, using humour to draw attention to the points she is making. Her work supporting her local Rape Crisis Centre has also provided examples of abusive relationships and actions that victims can take if in such situations. She also refers to the grooming rings existing across the UK, drawing on examples such as Rotherham/Rochdale and the TV drama “Three Girls” in her talks.
She refers students to a phone app “For me” and uses learning aids such as a “What if” card game to help students understand some of the relationship problems/dangers existing in society today and learn how to deal with.
Jean is hoping that Clubs in the Midland Arden Region will take the presentation forward to 5 schools in their area, either by Soroptimists themselves delivering it or by promoting its use by staff.
