Would you like to enhance your workplace's capacity to respond to matters relating to sexuality and relationships, including policy, staff development, and person-centred care? Would your job be easier if you could develop your comfort level discussing sexuality with clients or students? What would you like to know more about or do better? Professional development can be tailored to suit your specific workplace needs.

LGBTIQA+ Professional development

This professional development is planned in consultation with community organisations and is a mix of infomation and pedagogy based on transformative learning principles.

It aims to promote the well-being of LGBTIQA+ people in the community by promoting knowledge, understanding and skills in the wider community.

• Introductory level:      
• Unpacking the LGBTIQA+ acronym and developing an understanding of the implications for community well-being
• Exploring one’s own assumptions, values and beliefs about LGBTIQA+ people 
• An understanding of how to use inclusive and respectful language
• Knowledge of where to find further resources and support services.

Starting the conversation about sex: health professionals

How comfortable are you at initiating and conducting conversations about sex and sexuality? Would you like some strategies for working better with clients to address their sexuality and sexual health needs? In this presentation I present information about sexual health and sexuality concerns that your clients might have, and offers strategies for starting the conversation in a way that is safe and inclusive. A resource list will be provided.

For aged care providers and staff

Professional development on the topic of working and communicating more effectively and efficiently around sexuality and relationships with older people. Healthy sexual expression can enhance quality of life at any age, and the evidence supports the benefits of intimate relationships for people in aged care. The professional development can be tailored for individual workplace needs.

What can be covered:

• Complying with workplace policies on person-centred care and quality of life;
• What is included in 'healthy sexuality'? Define terms and expand possibilities beyond limited assumptions;
• Communicating about sexuality and gender in ways  that are comfortable and respectful;
• Supporting people with their expression of intimacy as they experience life transitions;
• Raising awareness about ageing and sexual expression;
• Advocacy for excellence in supporting individuals to continue to enjoy sexual intimacy in a psychologically and physically safe environment.

For social workers

This workshop aims to develop understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity so clients of all ages can be supported. This PD covers the terminology of diversity, with time to reflect on personal beliefs and experiences. Participants will learn strategies and build networks to assist with more effective relationships.

For teachers: preparing to teach sex ed

There are some great resources available for teaching sex education but are you or your colleages comfortable to start teaching it? This one day PD will help prepare teachers to approach sex education with confidence and enthusiasm.

Bespoke PD:

What are the unmet needs in how to respond to matters sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and relationships in your workplace? Linda can prepare an evidence-based, friendly, professional development program to suit your needs. Topics include (yet are not limited to): communication skills and consent for adolescents (or any age group), sexuality and ageing, pornography, gender, and feminism.

Fees

Full day PD $2,000. Travel expenses for places outside Bendigo or Melbourne are extra and charged at cost.

Half day $1,100. Travel expenses for places outside Bendigo or Melbourne are extra and charged at cost.

Non-profit organisations or private groups fee by negotiation.

M: 0419402373 E: linda@lindakirkman.org

Relationship skills for life

©Linda Kirkman 2025