Oasis launches sex and relationships course Oasis College, in partnership with Esteem Resource Network, has launched an accredited course titled ‘Supporting young people in promoting positive relationships’. The course equips attendees to give guidance on relationships and sexual health education. For more information visit www.oasiscollege.ac.uk 

Sexting on the rise Six out of 10 teenagers say they have been asked for sexual images or videos, an NSPCC and ChildLine survey suggests. Childline has launched a new app in response to these findings – Zipit – which offers whimsical images for teens to send as an alternative to explicit ones.

Institute for youth workers launched The National Youth Agency has launched the Institute for youth workers, enabling members to network, develop best practice and keep abreast of policy developments. There are various different membership options available – for more information visit www.iyw.org.uk

Soul Survivor Not for Sale Soul Action - the justice and campaigns branch of Soul Survivor – has launched a petition called STAND, which gathered close to 10,000 young people’s signatures over the summer festivals. The petition calls on the government to do more to combat modernday slavery following a report that exposed significant failings in current legislation.

RE in schools failing, says OFSTED More than half of England’s schools are failing pupils on religious education, says the education watchdog Ofsted. The report that schools are not ‘realising the subject’s full potential’.

James Arthur looks to God Winner of last year’s X Factor, James Arthur, has revealed that he has started praying to get through the tough times. Arthur said: ‘I’ve started praying and I believe in spirituality. I haven’t gone to church yet but I want to look into it in the future. In my darkest moment I prayed to God to help me and liberate me from stress.’