Menstrual Empowerment Education
We want to train a team of ‘Transitioneers’ to provide menstrual health workshops for pre-teens in schools in Exeter.
WHAT’S THE PROBLEM AND WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?
Only one in five girls feels comfortable talking to their teacher about periods.and 49% have missed an entire day of school due to their periods. It’s 2021 and young people are still ashamed of their periods, they are still missing school and period poverty is still a reality for many young people here in the UK.
Menstrual health may feel like only a small part of young people’s well being but it can affect all aspects of their life. Their relationships, accessing education, our society has created a culture of silence, ignorance and shame impacting on mental health and wellbeing. Rates of self-harm and attempted suicide are alarmingly high (suicide rates of girls increased by 83% in the last 8 years).
WHAT’S THE SOLUTION?
Our inclusive education for young people of all genders wants to change this culture. Delivered by a team of approachable well informed volunteers who are able to open up the conversation build body and emotional literacy and break period taboos.
What if YOU could help empower the next generation to not be afraid of their periods, to talk about them openly, to improve their confidence, social connections and wellbeing. Helping pre-teens navigate the transition to adulthood in a positive and informed way.
In Sep 2020 UK law changed and PSHE education became statutory in secondary education, however teachers are under more stress than ever due to the covid pandemic. Adding PSHE to their already stretched workload means it can be an uncomfortable burden for both teachers and students. We want to help.
Our pilot programme aims to train 24 transitioneers focusing on the topics of:
-Sustainable periods
-How periods affect different people
-the importance of menstrual wellbeing
Once trained up they will be supported to go into school and deliver interactive, open, unpressured workshops where all students have the opportunity to ask questions and find out more about how menstrual wellbeing can and will affect their whole lives.
WHY NOW?
Over the last few years, period poverty here in the UK has become more understood, there has been a collective raising of awareness about this topic and as a result free sanitary products are now available in all schools, however access to products is only half the solution. Taboos still exist, schools are now obligated to provide education about periods too but how do they tackle this?
MEET THE NEST TRANSITIONEER TEAM
Hazel, is one of the directors of The Nest Southwest. She is a celebrant and women’s circle facilitator regularly holding spaces for transformation. She is passionate about supporting the major life transitions from menstruation to birth to menopause as she sees these phases as having many similar qualities that can hugely benefit from the presence of social, emotional and informational support.
Chloe, has spent the last 6 years working on menstrual health programmes around the world and promoting the use of reusable sustainable period products such as menstrual cups and washable pads. In 2017, Plan International UK, commissioned her to conduct the first national research into young people and period poverty. She’s learnt the most important thing for changing societal attitudes about periods is creating the space to be inquisitive. She’s excited to work alongside the Nest to go back to her roots, sharing her knowledge and experience with the Transitioneers.
Abigail, The Nest’s social media intern. From her previous work with young people, she has witnessed the shame and uncertainty that surrounds menstruation. She is excited to be part of this project which wishes to change the narrative and empower young people.
WHAT ELSE HAS THE NEST DONE SO FAR?
The Nest already runs an established volunteer program for perinatal peer supporters, training mums who have given birth in the pandemic to support other pregnant people. In the last 12 months we have delivered over 50 sessions including a monthly menstruation awareness group. This cycle awareness focused group has supported women all over Devon, helped them find a like minded community and share menstrual wellbeing ideas.
WANT TO HELP SPREAD PERIOD POWER?
Please support us to break taboos in Exeter schools by donating to our crowdfunding campaign or donate us your time and become part of the Transitioneer volunteer team here at The Nest Southwest.
Ready to find out more about becoming an Empowerment Menstrual Educator in Exeter… CLICK HERE or fill in the form below