Students from All Saints Academy Plymouth have taken their campaign promoting body confidence and inclusion to Parliament after a year of work aimed at tackling body shame and encouraging positive change among young people.
The group visited the Houses of Parliament to discuss their involvement with Molly Forbes and the Body Happy Organisation, which has focused on delivering a whole-school programme centred on body respect, wellbeing and inclusion.
The Body Happy Organisation is an award-winning organisation that works with schools, families and communities to address body shame and promote lasting cultural change.
Recognising that meaningful change requires engagement from both staff and pupils, the academy has introduced a range of initiatives including staff training, student workshops and a peer advocacy programme designed to empower young people to lead positive change. The work has also extended into the wider community through the creation of a group at Burrington Community Hub, bringing together students and families.
Following the programme, staff and students from All Saints Academy were invited to attend an education roundtable hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Eating Disorders at the Houses of Parliament.
The session was chaired by Wera Hobhouse MP and brought together politicians, clinicians, charity leaders, researchers, educators and young people to discuss issues surrounding eating disorders and body image.
Representing the academy were pastoral and inclusion manager Sam Smith, Year 8 lead Sophie Messenger and students Sam C-W and Megan E.
The group shared insights into the challenges faced by young people around body confidence and appearance-related stigma, along with the steps the school has taken to promote respect and inclusion.
Sophie delivered an address during the event before Year 11 student Sam received a standing ovation from attendees following his contribution.
The roundtable forms part of ongoing work by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Eating Disorders to campaign for improved care and earlier intervention for people affected by eating disorders.
The visit marks a significant milestone for All Saints Academy, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, and reflects its commitment to promoting student voice, inclusion and wellbeing.
Scott Simpson-Horne, headteacher at All Saints Academy, said: “We are incredibly proud of our students and staff for the leadership they have shown in promoting a culture of body respect and inclusion.
“This work goes beyond the classroom and is already making a real difference to how our young people see themselves and each other.
“To have their voices heard in Parliament is a powerful reminder of the impact schools can have in shaping a more compassionate and understanding society.”
Moira Marder, chief executive of the Ted Wragg Trust, said: “This is a fantastic example of the values we champion across the Ted Wragg Trust in action.
“Empowering young people to lead change, speak confidently about important issues and influence national conversations is at the heart of what we do.
“We are incredibly proud of the students from All Saints Academy for representing their community so thoughtfully and powerfully on such an important stage.”
