Students at a school in East Lancashire were 'excited' to receive a visit from Baroness Helen Newlove last week.

She came to The Hyndburn Academy to talk to a group of Year 8 and 9 students about the role of the House of Commons and House of Lords, as well as her life as a Baroness and role as Victims’ Commissioner.

Baroness Newlove also hosted a question and answer session for the students, who were eager to learn more about her career journey and what Parliament is really like.

Lancastrian Mrs Newlove rose to prominence for her campaigns to tackle drinking culture in the UK, improve facilities and support for young people, and to improve support for victims of crime after her husband was murdered by a gang of youths in 2007. 

She was handed a peerage in 2010 and served as Victims' Commissioner from 2013 to 2019, and then again since October 2023.

Hadi Mahmood, a Year 8 student, said: “Baroness Newlove was really interesting.

"She spoke to us about etiquette in the House of Lords and the laws that they have passed.

"I liked hearing about her work as the Victims’ Commissioner the most, especially her experience with gangs.”

Lancashire Telegraph: Hyndburn MP Sara Britcliffe also stopped by the schoolHyndburn MP Sara Britcliffe also stopped by the school (Image: United Learning)

 

Her visit follows the students’ visit to Westminster earlier in the week, where they received a tour of Parliament and took part in a fascinating workshop about the people who have shaped it.

This formed part of The Hyndburn Academy’s ongoing effort to educate young people about the importance and function of Parliament and was an opportunity for students to engage with the political system and understand more about democracy. 

In recognition of her efforts to promote awareness of Parliament amongst her students, Miss Rose, an English teacher at the school, recently achieved the prestigious UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador Gold Award.

Nicola Palmer, headteacher at The Hyndburn Academy, said: “Our students were delighted to meet with Baroness Newlove, who so kindly gave up her time to talk to them and share fascinating insights about the House of Lords.

"It was a brilliant day and our students thoroughly enjoyed learning first-hand about the inner workings of Parliament.

"With her visit following the students’ visit to Westminster, it really was an enriching and inspiring week for students, and I am so impressed by their engagement and thoughtful questions."