New education materials launch this week so that all secondary school pupils in Wales can access needed information on common women’s health conditions
Endometriosis, menopause, menstrual health and pelvic health are the four areas covered by new educational resources for secondary-school students, launched this week by Sarah Murphy MS, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 / Unsplash
The new materials have been developed by the Women’s Health Network, working with school nurses and students across Wales, including from Cardiff and Vale University Health Board’s youth panel. Girls and boys took part to ensure that the materials contain the information young people need in the form they need it.
Among the aims of these new resources is to reduce stigma around periods, to help young people recognise when they should seek medical help and to raise awareness of conditions such as endometriosis. Information on pelvic health and menopause is also designed to support understanding of health issues a person may experience later in their life.
For further information, the resources provide links to trusted websites such as Bloody Brilliant and Endometriosis Cymru.
The new materials work across multiple media and platforms, including email, leaflets, posters, social media and QR codes, and each secondary school can adapt them to include their own branding.
Athika Ahmed was one of those involved in developing the new resources. Now aged 23, she has been involved in Cardiff and Vale University Health Board’s youth panel since she was 16. She says: ‘We’ve had school nurses come in and talk to us about the materials they’ve been working on to use in schools. I’m really pleased we’ve been able to direct them towards the type of information we think would be beneficial and to suggest ideas about how they should be taught. It’s great we’ve been part of the process of teaching about women’s health in the future.’
Sarah Murphy, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, adds: ‘These new resources will help to support the health and wellbeing of young people across Wales. By working directly with young people to develop these materials, we’ve ensured they address the real questions and concerns they have. I’m grateful to all the young people who have contributed their insights and experiences to make these materials relevant and accessible.
‘This is part of our commitment to address the gender health gap and improve health outcomes for women and girls across the country.’
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