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5833 Sherbrooke West
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Visit SenseProject.org to learn about workshops we offer, ways to get involved, how to donate, and upcoming events on the blog!

You can also ask an anonymous question on our discussion forum!

We call our peer-based sex education program the Sense Project because we wish to help young people to make sense of their sexuality and make sensible sexual choices. Our aim is to support Montreal youth's healthy sexual development by giving them the information and emotional tools to make empowering decisions.The Sense Project’s approach to sex education is non-judgmental and holistic. This means that workshop dynamics remain respectful and supportive regardless of students’ background or views.

In 2005, the Quebec government reformed the secondary school curriculum so that the subject of sex-ed wouldn’t be a class on its own. Instead, teachers are encouraged to bring sexual education into their regular classes. The Sense Project has been created so that sex education doesn’t slip through the cracks. Let’s face it: sex education is important!

Our health animation team visits classrooms and community centres to facilitate sexual health workshops. All workshops are based on youth's current needs regarding sexual health, and we aim to break down sexual myths, address STIs/HIV, and promote safer sex practices to reduce risks. Workshops also discussions on communication and consent, sexual assault, and sexual decision-making.

Want to make a difference in your school and community? Want to learn more about the sexual health resources around you? Want to help make sex education a priority through your art, media, and voice? Then check out our peer education program and make it happen!

For more information on workshops, volunteering, and peer education, contact Nikki (514-481-0277 / healthed@headandhands.ca). To inquire about fundraising, events, or media relations, contact Sarah (514-481-0277 / funds@headandhands.ca)

 

  • We call our peer-based sex education program: the Sense Project because we wish to help young people to make “sense” of their sexuality, and because we want their sexual (among other) choices to make "sense"!
  • Our aim is to support Montreal high school students between 14 and 17 years of age to have a healthy sexual development by giving them the information and emotional tools to make empowering choices.
    • Our health animation team visits classrooms to give sexual health workshops. All workshops are based on youth sexual health needs assessments and aim to breakdown sexual myths, teach about STIs/HIV, and promote options to reduce chances of getting infected. Workshops also address anti-oppression and introduce concepts of peer-education.


    • Want to make a difference in your school and community? Want to learn more about the sexual health resources around you? Want to help make sex education a priority through your art, media, and voice? Then check out our peer education training program and make it happen!


  • 5 students (from each Sense school) will have the opportunity to be trained as sexual health advocates in their schools and communities. All trainings will include a digital literacy component where students will work with a mentor to develop video, website and/or radio skills. Not to mention the 30 hours of sex education training from Head & Hands.
  • Using an arts-based approach, the trainings encourage sexual critical thinking and explore issues surrounding gender identity, sexual orientation, sexism, feminism, racism, transgenderism/transsexuality, cultural diversity and more!
  • Peer educators will relay essential information to their friends, classmates and peers about the importance of sexual health and the importance of people’s rights. Together with the support of their teachers, school-nurses and guidance counselors they will organize school activities, lunch time drop-in sessions and informally educate and refer their peers as needed. It’s a great opportunity to make sex education matter!
  • Check out our peer education manual here! (large download, ~56megs)
    Copies are available at Head & Hands by donation.
  • Ask a Peer Educator! Have a question? Send us an e-mail

Here are some resources that pertain to sexual health and the Sense Project. Take some time to check them out!
  • The Sense Project is sustained by a wonderful group of people who believe in the value of sexual health education. People just like you! Donors, foundations, volunteers, interns, and friends have come together to ensure that our workshops and peer education trainings make an impact in Montreal-area schools. Whether we receive a monthly $5 donation from a University student, $200 from a high school dress-down day or a yearly grant from a foundation, the sentiment remains the same: sex education is important!
  • In the past, the Sense Project has been supported by the Farha Foundation and State Street Financial. This year, the Sense Project is proud to partner with the Quebec Jeunes Foundation.
  • If you are interested in making a donation, you can do so by clicking here, by contacting (the Funding Researcher for the Sense Project) by e-mail or phone (514.481.0277), or by coming by in person.
  • Faggity-Ass Fridays atThe Playhouse
    • Every month this summer The Playhouse is transformed into a queer-friendly dance space to support the Sense Project. Each week has a new theme and performance piece! If you want to help either by working the door, making posters or performing, let us know!
      • The Playhouse (5656 ave. du parc)
      • 10pm-3am
      • $5 suggested donation

      • This month, June 28th, we have Plastik Patrick (from Divers Cite, Saphir), Dead Doll Dancers, Swamp Sex Robots, Sarah Mangle's Wet Nose Hero, Miss Velvita Spandexxx, Xavier T and lot's of glow sticks

        July 25th get ready for our aerobics theme party with the Dukes of Drag sweating to the oldies ala Richard Simmons, DIY aerobic videos, Random Recipe, DJs: Julie D/Backdoor/Dirtyboots/JP and possibly MegaLove (+++ it's my bday!)

        August 29th is the old school back to school night with 40s-50s style swing dancing, vintage hair & make-up booth, nat king pole, DJs: Kate/Nora/Grant/Cody and more!

        More details will follow shortly. In the meantime, pass along the good word that Faggity is BACK!

  • SERVE Tournament 2007: View Slide Show
    • The annual inter-bar SERVE volleyball tournament happens every summer in Park Jeanne-Mance. Last year, this event raised $10,000 for the Sense Project.
  • Sense Parties
  • Do you believe in the importance of quality/inclusive sex ed in high schools?
    Can you see yourself leading sex ed workshops in front of a classroom?
    The Sense Project at Head & Hands is now accepting applicants for workshop animators!

    Animator Training schedule
    Wednesday Sept. 3rd 6-9pm
    Thursday Sept. 4th 6-9pm
    Saturday Sept. 6th 11am-4pm
    Wednesday Sept. 10th 6-9pm
    Thursday Sept. 11th 6-9pm
    Saturday Sept. 13th 11am-4pm
    Wednesday Sept. 17th 6-9pm
    Thursday Sept. 18th 6-9pm
    Saturday Sept. 20th
    		11am-4pm
  • Volunteering as an animator with Sense is a commitment; this is reflected in the length of our training (30 hours). We are looking for people who can attend the entire training and be available throughout the school year to provide workshops to high school students.
  • If you are an individual aged 25 years or younger with animation and youth work experience, who is committed to the importance of quality, inclusive sex education for and among youth, consider being a Sense animator!
  • Think you’re a good fit? Contact (Health Animator) to arrange an interview:
    • You may also make an appointment by phone: (514) 481-0277
  • Please note: we can only accept a limited number of animators. Acceptance to the program is at the discretion of the Health Animator.