Art Workshop on Sexual Consent - Mill Ford Plymouth School

“I really like the painting….I feel more confident now to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to people.” Art workshop participant.

Paint the Change joined Mill Ford Plymouth School, a school specialised in “meeting the needs of children and young adults with complex needs, including severe and profound and multiple learning difficulties, complex medical needs and autistic spectrum conditions”, for an art workshop focused on the theme of sexual consent.

Since #Metoo, the issue of sexual consent has seen an all-time high in the public space. For educators working with young people with special needs it’s always been at the forefront of their minds. How do you inform vulnerable young people about how to say ‘Yes’ and ‘No’. And how to communicate that they have changed their mind? 

“Children with learning disabilities are far more at risk from sexual exploitation…doing things practically like through art helps them to understand what’s acceptable and what they can and shouldn’t say yes to.” Claire Wills, Head Teacher 

Led by artist ATMA, the workshop helped a group of young people aged 16 years and above with special needs and disabilities to better understand sexual consent through the collaborative production of a 3D mural. The short film below documents the project, exploring how the creative journey of producing art is an inclusive approach to working with young people, helps build confidence and allows for a therapeutic outlet.