SHAG WEEK – Sexual Health Awareness and Guidance
In 2023 and 2024 Aber Union won the UCM Wales Recognition Award for our work on these campaigns.
We have 4 main goals:
- Students have sexual confidence and sexual health services are accessible when they need or want it.
- Students have a positive attitude towards sex.
- Students are educated about how to have pleasurable and safe sex, if they are wanting to participate in it, particularly relating to STI’s and kink protection.
- To be a trans, non-binary and LGBQUIA+ inclusive campaign.
Why is it important?
Sexual Health and wellbeing are just as important as physical and mental health but due to a stigma around shame and sex, it can be difficult to access help and support when you need it. When speaking to a student about the last time they had an STI screening they said, “Oh, I have never had one. It is just a bit embarrassing.” This is what we want to change with the SHAG campaign. We want students to be able to talk about sex without embarrassment, be confident in saying they may never want to have sex and be able to reach out and ask for help when needed. We want students to have confidence to talk about sex and reach out for help when needed. We want students to see sex as a positive, fun thing that they can enjoy safely. Prioritising and looking after sexual health can have so many positive impacts on both your physical and mental health.
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What can the Students Union offer?
Did you know that statistically 16–24-years have the highest chances of transmitting an STI? We want you to enjoy yourself, but we also want you to be safe. So, what do we provide?
- A variety of free condoms including latex-free, pregnancy tests, STI testing kits and lube can be picked up in our Wellbeing Station opposite the Student Opportunities Office in the Undeb.
- If you have any questions or need to talk to someone please contact our Student Advisor (union.advice@aber.ac.uk)
- To order free STI testing kits which you can do in the comfort of your own space check out Sexual Health Wales
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Love languages
SHAG Week (Sexual Health Awareness & Guidance) is more than simply physical intimacy, but an aspect of it can also be relationships, communication, the five love languages are five different ways of expressing and receiving love:
- Acts of service,
- Gifts,
- Physical touch,
- Quality time,
- Words of affirmation
It’s important to understand that not everyone communicates or shows love in the same way.
This concept was developed by Gary Chapman, he theorised that people naturally give love in the way they prefer to receive love, better communication can be achieved when one can demonstrate caring to another person's love language.
| Acts of service |
If your love language is acts of service, you may value it when your partner goes out of their way to make your life easier, things as simple as making your coffee in the morning. “This is for people who believe actions speak louder than words”
- How to Communicate: Using action phrases like “I’ll help”, they want to know you’re with them.
- Action to Take: Do tasks together. Going out of your day to alleviate their daily workload
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| Gifts |
If your love language is gifts, it is thought you feel loved when people give you ‘visual symbols of love’, it’s not about monetary value but about the symbolism or sentimental value. “This is for people who believe objects can embody feeling”
- How to Communicate: Thoughtfulness is key, something that reflects your time together or feelings.
- Action to Take: Give thoughtful gifts and gestures. Small things matter in a big way. And if you’re the one receiving a gift be sure to express gratitude.
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| Physical touch |
If your love language is touch, you’d feel most loved when receiving physical signs of affection, this can be incredibly affirming and serve as a powerful emotional connector. “This is for people who value the feeling of warmth or comfort”
- How to Communicate: Non-verbal (with verbal consent), use body language and touch to express love
- Action to Take: Show physical affection often, remember consent and communication are key
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| Quality time |
If your love language is quality time, you may feel more loved or valued when your partner makes time for you. Active listening, eye contact and full presence are prioritised. “This is for people who feel valued when they feel heard”.
- How to Communicate: Uninterrupted and focused conversation. One-on-one time is crucial.
- Action to Take: Make time for each other, do small things that make the most of whatever time you spend together.
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| Words of affirmation |
If your love language is words of affirmation you value verbal acknowledgement of affection, compliments, words of affirmation and verbal encouragement. “This is for people who the written and spoken word resonate with”.
- How to Communicate: Encourage, affirm, appreciate and empathise. Actively listening is important here too.
- Action to Take: Send an unexpected note, text, card. Genuine compliments and encouragements are key.
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More Information: What is it?
| Stealthing |
Stealthing is when someone says they are going to use protection (such as a condom) and doesn’t use it or takes it off in the middle of sex. This is against the law and considered sexual assault. This is breaking the conditional consent that was made between those having sex.
Conditional consent is when consent is given based on regulations (like wearing protection) and when this is taken away, so is the consent.
For support please reach out to Report + Support or the SVLO’s (Sexual Violence Leason officers) at Student Services who can be reached directly via emailing svlo@aber.ac.uk.
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| Contraception & STI’s |
Contraception can be used to prevent unwanted pregnancies and to stop the spread of STI’s. The contraceptive pill is a very common method used by people with a uterus to prevent pregnancy occurring when having sex. However, it is important that another barrier method is being used as well as this without a barrier method of contraception the pill will not stop you from getting an STI.
STI’s (Sexually Transmitted Infections) can be spread through any type of sex. It is important to use a barrier between you and your partner/s and get an STI test done between every new partner.
You can get a test for free by either going to our local sexual health clinic located on Penglais Road or by ordering one free online from Sexual Health Wales.
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| Sex Toys |
Sex toys can be a fun way to experiment either by yourself or with a partner/s. Whether using alone or with others, it is important you wash sex toys in between each use to stop any potential infections or STI’s.
Sexual Health Education also recommends using condoms or barrier contraceptives on sex toys used with others to keep yourself and them safe.
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| Asexuality & Non-Sexual Identities |
It is important to note during this week that not every relationship will have sex involved. Many have loving relationships without a sexual relationship. This may be because they identify as asexual or because they simply do not want to have sex. It may be that they currently don’t want to, or they never want to. It is important to recognise this when we meet new people or speak about sex with our friends.
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Brook Resources
Contraception: how does it work (Created by Brook)
Links:
No matter your gender identity or sexuality, everyone should have access to free sexual health advice so that you can be educated in any type of sex you choose. Whether that is how to get tested for STI’s, learning how to have open conversations about sex, how to be safe and respectful, or understanding your body; we have found some extra resources that you can use for more information.
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