Stockport young women lobby government

30 November 2009

Young women from Stockport met Diana Johnson, the schools minister, at the House of Commons to show her an information booklet called 'Read My Lips' they have written to help teenage girls.

Eighteen girls from the Stockport Young Women's Forum were introduced to the minister by Ann Coffey, the MP for Stockport.

They held a lively question and answer session with Ms Johnson who said she thought the handbag-sized booklet looked great and that the girls had lots of interesting ideas. The booklet contains a range of information on issues relevant to young girls, including sexual health.

Ann Coffey said: "The girls fed in a lot of good ideas to the minister, who is responsible for PSHE education. They felt it was brilliant that PSHE is now compulsory in schools. The more information youngsters have, the better informed they are and the more confident they become, to make the right decisions about their lives."

PSHE education helps children and young people deal with some of the issues they face as they grow up. The aspects covered are central to a person’s wellbeing and include nutrition and physical activity; drugs, alcohol and tobacco education; sex and relationships education; and economic wellbeing and financial capability.