Differing values, beliefs and personal experiences between people can affect the way they feel around one another and can lead to conflict, however it is important to respect the views of others and try not to let it interfere with working practice. For example, I have a strong belief that fishing is a cruel sport and really do detest it, however I have still supported clients to go fishing on many occasions because otherwise I would be depriving them of the liberty to make their own choices. I have also worked with individuals that have done some very despicable things in their past but I try not to judge them and treat them with the same compassion that I give everybody. It is also important for me not to treat those that do share similar values and beliefs to me more favourably than those that don’t. By being non-judgmental and compassionate, I am able to communicate well with individuals and learn to understand other people’s point of view, which in turn helps reduce conflict and increase compromise.
Identify sexual health issues that differently affect men and women
There are several sexual health issues that only affect one gender or affect genders differently. It is important for individuals to understand the sexual issues that affect their own bodies but it is also important to understand the issues of the opposite gender.
Females experience the menstrual cycle each month and in later life will experience the menopause. Many contraceptives affect only a female’s body such as the pill, injection, diaphragm and implants whereas condoms fit on a male’s penis.
Males experience erections and can suffer from impotence and premature ejaculation. During puberty, many males will have wet dreams.
Both males and females will usually masturbate at some point in their lives, however the technique is different between genders. Likewise, both genders experience orgasms but the feeling is different for the different sexes.
Sex drive can peak and trough during the lives of both men and women although females are more likely to experience a much-reduced sex drive when they hit menopause.
A social care worker wants to enable more effective communication with individuals using the service. Explain how they could access extra support or services that may be helpful.
Firstly, the social care worker should make a list of all the preferred methods of communication for the individuals using the service by referring to their Care Plans and consulting them individually. Then they can use this information to research what services are available.
Some professional services they may need to look into include translators that translate different languages, interpreters that translate sign language, speech and language therapists that work with individuals to create a tailor-made plan to help improve their communication.
Extra communication support can be found from local or national charities and organisations as well as technology firms (for example, a visually impaired individually may need screen-reader software to be able to use a laptop).
Some individuals may also need to use an Advocacy Service if they are unable to put their views across themselves. An advocate is somebody who represents an individual’s point of view and communicates on behalf of them.
Explain how the people identified above can help you appreciate your strengths and areas for development.
The individuals above can help me to appreciate my strengths and weaknesses because they may be more experienced than me or have had more training in a particular area. They may also provide ideas and insights that I do not notice myself or explain something from their point of view that I may not have even considered without their input.
Explain the key features of sexual health and well-being and how this relates to an individual’s overall health and well-being
Sexual health is a state of physical, mental, social and emotional well-being related to sexuality. This not only means the absence of sexually transmitted diseases but also having mutually beneficial relationships with both partners respecting one another, physical intimacy and safe sexual experiences free from coercion, discrimination and violence.
An individual’s sexual health and well-being can contribute to their overall health and well-being because they will be happier and have increased self-esteem and self-confidence. They will not suffer from sexual frustration and having somebody to talk to often relieves stress. And, of course, being in a strong relationship provides emotional stability to an individual’s life.