All aboard the betty bus

On Thursday we welcomed the betty bus to Pipers as part of the “betty for schools programme” which is aiming to create a generation of children who are truly at ease talking about periods.

During the day girls in Years 5-7 took part in sessions aboard the betty bus where trained facilitators helped them to explore how periods can affect their emotions and what they can do to combat them.

Each session started with some ice breaker games before the girls spent time considering the science of the female body, the key names for the female organs and the process of the menstrual cycle.

The girls shared ideas of what things or actions might help them when they feel tired, stressed or unhappy during their period. Suggestions included exercise, friendship, hot water bottles and eating lots of dark chocolate! Dark chocolate contains Magnesium, a mineral which helps relax muscles and therefore eases cramps.

The groups all responded in a positive and mature fashion, asking key questions which led to some interesting discussions and contributed to a hugely worthwhile experience for all.