Students from across Monmouthshire’s secondary schools came together at King Henry VIII 3-19 School in Abergavenny on Friday 3 July for the county’s first-ever Menstrual Ambassador Conference. It was a celebration of young people driving positive change, breaking down stigma and championing period dignity in their schools and communities.
The event showcased the achievements of the Menstrual Ambassador Programme, which forms part of Monmouthshire County Council’s work through the Welsh Government’s Period Dignity Fund.
Delivered by Womb Wisdom across all four of Monmouthshire’s secondary schools, the peer-led wellbeing programme empowers young people to become confident advocates for menstrual health. Through ambassador training, workshops, assemblies, drop-in sessions and awareness campaigns, students develop the skills, confidence and knowledge to support their peers, challenge misconceptions and improve access to accurate information and period products.
Grounded in the Welsh Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) Code, the programme creates safe and inclusive spaces where conversations about periods are normalised, helping young people feel informed, supported and empowered.
The conference brought together student ambassadors, school staff and partners to celebrate successes, share experiences and explore how young people can continue to lead the conversation around menstrual health and wellbeing.
The programme has already made a lasting impact across Monmouthshire’s schools. Feedback shows that pupils feel more prepared, less anxious and more confident talking about periods, while ambassadors gain valuable leadership, communication and peer mentoring skills.
Schools have reported increased wellbeing, stronger student voice and a more inclusive culture, with pupils from different year groups working together to challenge stigma and promote understanding. Participants have described feeling more confident in their bodies, better equipped to support friends and more comfortable seeking help when needed.
Importantly, schools say the impact extends far beyond individual sessions, helping to create environments where no young person feels isolated or embarrassed by their experience of menstruation and where conversations about periods are open, supportive and free from judgement.
“I really enjoy being able to help others in the school community, other students know who we are and come up to us and ask questions and find out about products, bit like a big sister role in the school,” said one of the students taking part, capturing the views of many participants.
The impact of the wider Period Dignity Fund across Monmouthshire also demonstrates the scale of support being delivered across the county. Over the past year:
- 4,761 free period pants have been distributed
- 23,860 free tampons have been provided
- 30,644 free sanitary pads have been supplied
- Free period products have been made available through 43 community organisations
- Free products are accessible in 100% of Monmouthshire schools, leisure centres and Monmouthshire County Council hubs
- 140 staff and volunteers have supported delivery
These figures highlight Monmouthshire County Council’s continued commitment to ensuring that everyone can access the products, education and support they need, whenever they need them.
Councillor Angela Sandles, Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, attended the event, saying: “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.
“The achievements celebrated at this conference demonstrate the real and lasting difference the programme is making across Monmouthshire.”
The conference marks another important milestone in Monmouthshire’s commitment to period dignity, demonstrating how empowering young people to lead conversations can create lasting change and help build more inclusive, supportive school communities for everyone.
