Protecting Young Backs Parliamentary Reception

Hosted by Paul Burstow, Liberal Democrat Chief Whip, the Protecting Young Backs reception took place in the Member’s Dining Room at the House of Commons on Monday 6th November. The event was attended by over 100 guests, ranging from MPs and Peers to Heads of Industry and representatives from many linked organisations and professional bodies.

Paul led the speeches with a strong address promoting the campaign. He encouraged fellow politicians to sign the EDM (113) on School Furniture and Pupil Back Care and also to join him in the new All Party Parliamentary Group for Health and Well-Being at School. The group will have a broad remit, addressing many issues relating to pupil’s health but will begin with those relating to adolescent back pain. Paul’s speech was followed by an address from Alan Gardner, Trustee of BackCare and Chair of the campaign group. We were delighted to have three young secondary school pupils giving testimonies of their experience with back pain and also the views of a secondary school head teacher and an Alexander Technique teacher. We thank DBC Healthcare for their generous sponsorship of the event and to Colin Natali, their Chief Executive and Spinal Surgeon, for his interesting and informative address. We would also like to thank Plantronics for providing the printing and administrative support for the event.