Young women urged to join NSPCC project

Dear Editor

Alongside the Young Women’s Movement, we are looking for six young women aged from 16 to 18 from across Scotland to be part of a National Champions group to support the design and delivery of the national Young Women Know campaign.

This is a great opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people and make a difference to the lives of young women and girls in Scotland.

The Young Women Know project is a partnership project being run by NSPCC Scotland and the Young Women’s Movement.

It was set up following an investigation into sexual harassment in Scottish schools carried out by the YWCA’S Young Women Lead committee in 2018.

It found that, in Scotland in 2018, one of the things girls can experience in school is sexual harassment and the impact of this on young women is significant and can be long-lasting.

It can negatively impact everything from their mental health to their relationships and career choices.

The investigation also found that young people were most likely to turn to the internet or their friends for advice on sex and relationships and almost half of students and teaching staff surveyed said the current curriculum did not adequately cover the issue of consent.

The national Young Women Know campaign aims to tackle unhealthy relationships and peer sexual abuse, with young women leading the change.

To apply to be a National Champion, visit: https:// shorturl.at/binps

The deadline is Wednesday,

March 6.

Carla Malseed, NSPCC, and Laurie Duffy, The Young Women’s Movement

Supportreminder

Dear Editor

With Mother’s Day just around the corner,

I am thinking of the many mums who have contacted me because they are worried about their children.

I work for the Withyou Webchat – a free, confidential, service that offers advice relating to drugs, alcohol and mental well-being.

Around one fifth of the conversations that take place on our virtual platform are from ‘concerned others’ – by which we mean friends and family who are looking for advice for someone close to them.

I have spoken to so many women who desperately want to help their families but don’t know how.

The conversations we have with mothers are often very emotional.

No matter what age your child is, they are still your child.

I am writing to you today because I want people to know that support is available.

Simply visit wearewithyou. org.uk to chat to me or one of my colleagues.

We can advise on how best to speak to and support loved ones.

Importantly, we can also support mothers – and other family and friends – to manage their own stress and worries, ensuring they have the strength to help those they hold dear.

Alain Saum, Withyou