In the Workshops for Youth Program, our health educators develop and deliver interactive workshops to youth aged 14-19 in a variety of settings such as high schools, after-school programs, and alternative youth programs. All workshops are available throughout Manitoba. Workshops are available Monday through Friday. Weekend and evening workshops can be arranged as well. Please contact us to discuss your group’s needs in more detail.
Workshops during COVID-19
COVID-19 has considerably changed the way that community-based organizations deliver programming. We have a plan for youth programming that ensures we can safely continue to offer school and community-based workshops for youth by adapting to changing classroom and program needs.
With the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, we are adjusting our sessions as health orders develop. Should masking or social distancing return, we ask that spaces be set up to meet these requirements. Virtual workshops are available for groups should the pandemic impact current bookings.
Request a Workshop
If you would like to request a workshop for your school or youth program, there are several options available:
- You can fill out SERC 2023/24 Youth Workshop Form and submit it to youtheducation@serc.mb.ca. Someone will get back to you in a timely manner to discuss your needs and confirm your booking.
- You can call our front desk at 204-982-7800 to discuss your needs with someone directly.
- Our youth programming remains free of charge; however, travel reimbursement may be required outside of Winnipeg or Brandon.
- Workshops are available Tuesday-Friday. Please contact us to discuss our availability for weekend sessions.
Workshop Synopses
Teen Talk delivers interactive workshops using group brainstorms, small group work, hands-on activities, and games to explore and teach content. If your group has special needs, time constraints, or if you have any other concerns which may impact the workshop, please include this information on the booking request form.
- Dating Relationships
- Through small group discussions, youth will explore the differences between healthy, unhealthy, and abusive relationships. Youth will learn what to do if they experience abuse, use abuse, or witness abuse happening. They will also explore respectful and safe ways to end a relationship and ways to build a healthy relationship.(Recommended for grade 7 and up, available in-person or virtually)
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- Diversity and Anti-Oppression
- This workshop includes a discussion on the impacts of discrimination, the historical and ongoing effects of colonization on this Land, and the linkages existing between different forms of discrimination (colonialism, sexism, racism, homophobia, etc.). Youth examine ways in which we can appreciate the differences between people and reduce discrimination. The workshop aims to shift the focus to the resiliency and strengths of those who face discrimination, and on building allyship. (For grade 9 and up, available in-person only)
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- Mental Health
- This workshop helps youth to understand that we all have mental health and, like our physical health, have to work towards mental wellness. We explore the different ways that stress and trauma impact our well-being, as focus on coping strategies, including stress reduction activities, to get through hard times. This workshop highlights resources and supports while emphasizing help-seeking when going through a hard time including when youth or their friends are having thoughts of suicide. (Recommended for grade 7 and up, available in-person or virtually)
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- Puberty
- With a specific focus on puberty changes, participants review reproductive anatomy and identify the physical, social, and emotional changes that occur during this period of growth and development. This workshop features a “question box” activity, where all students have the opportunity to receive an answer to an anonymous question. (Recommended for grade 5, available in-person or virtually)
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- Sexual and Reproductive Health: Grade 7
- Participants review reproductive anatomy, identify what constitutes sex and sexual activity, and learn about consent. Working from a sex-positive, harm-reduction approach, participants identify safer sex options (e.g. abstinence, condom use, birth control, etc.) that reduce the risks of unplanned pregnancy and STIs. This workshop includes a condom demonstration. (Recommended for grade 7, available in-person or virtually)
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- Sexual and Reproductive Health: Grade 9+
- Participants identify important conversations to have with partners before sex including consent, safer sex options, STI testing, pregnancy options, comforts, boundaries, and expectations. We also review reproductive anatomy, as well as the most common forms of safer sex options including abstinence, condoms, hormonal birth control, and emergency contraceptive. (Recommended for grade 9 and up, available in-person or virtually)
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- Sexual Decision Making and Identity
- In this workshop we explore the concepts of sexuality and the role it plays in our lives. This includes our rights, values, the influence of the media, gender identity, sexual orientation, body, and mind. Youth have a chance to explore choices regarding their sexuality through discussions and small group work. (Recommended for grade 7 and up, available in-person or virtually)
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- Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV
- Participants gain a broad understanding of STIs and HIV including common symptoms, testing, and treatment. This workshop explores the differences between high, low, and no-risk activities and includes a condom and sex dam demonstration. An emphasis is placed on where to access condoms, sex dams, testing, and non-judgmental support. (Recommended for grade 9 and up, available in-person or virtually)
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- Substance Use Awareness
- Substance use information is delivered through a non-judgmental, harm reduction perspective to allow youth to make informed and safer choices. We facilitate a discussion on the reasons people have for using or not using a substance, ways to abstain from substance use, and how to stay safer if using. Youth discuss how to identify problematic use and identify where to go for support. (For grade 9 and up, available in-person or virtually)
Click here for handouts