Monmouthshire’s first-ever Menstrual Ambassador Conference has empowered young people across the county to promote period dignity and menstrual health awareness.

The conference on July 3 served as part of Monmouthshire County Council’s work through the Welsh Government’s Period Dignity Fund, which supported the rollout of the Menstrual Ambassador Programme in secondary schools across the county.

Led by menstrual education organisation, Womb Wisdom, the four schools benefitted from a peer-led wellbeing programme that is designed to provide knowledge, build confidence, and deliver support about periods. It aims to empower and inform young people about menstrual health by delivering better access to accurate information and period products.

In a statement last week, the council explained that the programme included ambassador training, workshops, assemblies, drop-in sessions and awareness campaigns, helping to establish ‘safe and inclusive spaces where conversations about periods are normalised’.

The conference at King Henry VIII 3-19 School in Abergavenny provided the opportunity for secondary school students to share experiences and celebrate achievements alongside school staff and partners, as well as developing skills related to leadership, communication, and peer mentoring.

It also enabled students to lead the discourse about menstrual health, which involved challenging misconceptions and stigma about periods.

Positive impacts

According to the council, schools involved have already revealed the positive impacts of the programme – such as a boost in wellbeing, stronger student voice, increased inclusivity, reduced anxiety when discussing periods, and reports of improved body confidence among participants. Additionally, students confirmed feeling more capable of supporting friends and seeking help when required.

Cllr Angela Sandles, Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, said: ‘The Menstrual Ambassador Programme is a fantastic example of young people leading positive change within their schools and communities. By giving students the knowledge, confidence and platform to become ambassadors, we’re helping to break down barriers, challenge stigma and ensure that everyone can access the support and products they need.

‘What has been particularly inspiring is seeing these young people become role models for their peers. Through their passion, compassion and leadership, they are helping to create school communities where periods are talked about openly, support is readily available and nobody feels embarrassed or left behind.’