Periods are a natural part of life, yet menstrual health education and support in schools remain inconsistent. This masterclass explores the impact of periods on students’ well-being, confidence, and academic performance, while offering practical strategies for creating a period-friendly school environment.
Menstrual health is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of student well-being. Many young people struggle with periodrelated stigma, lack of access to proper facilities, and limited education on menstrual health. Schools play a vital role in shaping how students experience and manage their periods, impacting their physical health, mental well-being, and educational success.
This masterclass will provide evidence-based insights and practical solutions for improving period education and support in schools. We will explore policy frameworks, including national guidelines on menstrual health, and highlight best practices for making schools more inclusive. Topics covered will include how to talk about periods confidently, addressing period poverty, ensuring proper facilities, and creating a culture of openness and support. Educators, school staff, and parents will leave equipped with actionable steps to improve menstrual awareness and support students in a way that fosters confidence and well-being.
KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this masterclass, participants will be able to:
Understand the impact of menstrual health on students’ wellbeing, education, and mental health.
Recognise the challenges students face, including period stigma, period poverty, and menstrual-related absenteeism.
Implement best practices for a period-friendly school environment, including access to free period products and private, well-equipped facilities.
Improve menstrual health education by integrating inclusive, accurate, and science-based period discussions into the curriculum.
Develop policies that align with national menstrual health guidelines and best practices for supporting students.
Equip teachers, parents, and school staff with the confidence to discuss periods openly and provide appropriate support.
Address the psychological and social effects of periods, including body image concerns, self-esteem, and managing period-related anxiety.
Explore the intersection of periods and other health conditions, such as endometriosis, PCOS, and heavy menstrual bleeding, to better support affected students.
Create action plans for schools to improve menstrual health awareness, support, and accessibility.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This masterclass is designed for teachers, school leaders, pastoral staff, school nurses, policymakers, parents, and students who want to better understand and support menstrual health in schools. It is also valuable for anyone working in education, student welfare, or youth advocacy who wants to promote period inclusivity and wellbeing in educational settings.
FACILITATOR
Leah Christian is a psychologist, Certified Menopause Wellness Coach, and a passionate advocate for women’s health. As the Founder and CEO of The House of Hormones, she leads a movement dedicated to educating and empowering individuals about hormonal wellness. With a deep understanding of the psychological and physical impact of hormonal changes, Leah is committed to ensuring that schools, educators, and policymakers are equipped with the knowledge and tools to support young people through their menstrual health journey. She works closely with healthcare professionals, organizations, and institutions to bridge the gap in menstrual education and create more inclusive, period-friendly environments.
