On Tuesday 28th February we took five young people (three young women from Moorside High school and two young men from Oakwood Academy) involved in our YMCA Manchester Training and Education programmes to the House of Commons to discuss body image anxiety with 100 other young people and MPs at the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Youth Affairs.
Social media, celebrity culture and peer pressure were some of the concerns about body image raised by young people and many bravely shared their personal experiences and suggestions on what needs to change.
None of the young people had ever been to London, some had never been on a train before so they were thrilled to be able to visit the Houses of Parliament and see other sites such as Buckingham Palace and Downing Street.
All the young people involved really enjoyed the experience and it will hopefully inspire them speak out on issues that affect their lives in the future, and help them to find confidence in their own voices.
