NEW social, personal and health education lessons created by young people for young people are now on the agenda in Poole.

Members of Poole Children's and Young People's Board have worked together to create a new resource, FLIPPED.

It is designed to educate the town's students and raise the standard of Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) lessons in schools.

The content of five new lesson plans was designed following a survey of almost 800 youngsters in Poole. Results showed they felt the subject was rarely taken seriously and often not used properly.

Many felt that young people lack essential life skills, would not be able to open a bank account, or appreciate how serious mental health problems can be - all issues which are addressed in the final lesson plans.

All the new FLIPPED resources can be found on the Borough of Poole website, with lesson plans and other information available for download by teachers and other professionals working with young people.

Both teachers and students are encouraged to provide feedback on the sessions, to help develop the resources.

The new initiative was officially launched at an event opened by the Mayor of Poole, Cllr Ann Stribley.

"It was tremendously encouraging to see the young people so engaged in helping others to benefit from their PSHE lessons. I wish them every success in the project,” she said.

Cllr Mike White, cabinet portfolio holder for children, young people and capital projects, said: “It is wonderful to have the views of a group of young people helping to shape the education that they and their peers receive. The new resources will provide a useful tool for schools and other groups, helping teach essential life skills to our young people.”

The children’s board is a group of young people, aged 11-18, made up of chosen representatives from a large variety of youth groups across Poole – including schools, religious groups and youth opportunity groups.