All secondary school pupils will be able to access new education
materials designed to help increase understanding about common
women's health conditions.
The resources, which are launched this week by the Minister for
Mental Health and Wellbeing, , cover four key areas –
menstrual health, endometriosis, pelvic health and menopause.
The Women's Health Network has worked with school nurses and
learners across Wales to develop the materials. Girls and boys
contributed to ensure they reflect the information young people
need.
Secondary schools will be able to adapt the resources to include
their own branding. The materials work across multiple platforms,
including email, leaflets, posters, social media and QR codes.
They are designed to reduce stigma around periods, help young
people recognise when to seek medical help, and raise awareness
of conditions like endometriosis. They also provide information
on pelvic health and menopause to support understanding of health
issues throughout their lives.
Members of the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board youth
panel who helped create the materials were at the launch event at
the Children's Hospital in Cardiff.
Athika Ahmed, 23 from Cardiff has been involved in the youth
board since she was 16. She 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.
“It's great we've been part of the process of teaching about
women's health in the future.”
, 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.
“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."
The resources also provide links to trusted websites such as
Bloody Brilliant and Endometriosis Cymru for further information.
Notes to editors
Providing secondary school learners with more information about
women's health conditions is part of the Women's Health Plan for
Wales, which was launched in December 2024.
