Secondary schools launch women’s health resources following input from nurses

Secondary school pupils in Wales will receive new information on women’s health through education resources developed with the help of school nurses.

The Women’s Health Network also worked with learners across Wales to create the materials, which cover menstrual health, endometriosis, pelvic health and menopause.

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Athika Ahmed, a member of the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board youth panel, whose input helped develop the resources, said: ‘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.’

The materials can be adapted by individual schools and are available in multiple formats, including posters, leaflets, email content, social media assets and QR codes.

They aim to reduce stigma around periods, help pupils recognise when to seek medical help, raise awareness of conditions such as endometriosis, and provide information on pelvic health and menopause.

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Sarah Murphy, minister for mental health and wellbeing, said: ‘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.’

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The resources also signpost to trusted websites including Bloody Brilliant and Endometriosis Cymru.

The latest Nursing in Practice podcast episode features a focus on women’s health, a conversation exploring the planned introduction of menopause questions into routine health checks.