The founder of Liverpool’s sexual health and well being service has been honoured for her crusade to help unmarried women in the 1960s.
Helen Brook, founder of the Brook charity, was one of seven woman recognised in this year’s Power List created by BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour.
This year’s list celebrated the women who have made the biggest impact on women’s lives over the past seven decades.
Brook, who passed away in 1997, created the city’s sexual health clinic with the aim of offering accessible support and contraception to unmarried women and reducing the number of illegal abortions.
Brook Liverpool currently provides local young people under 25 with free and confidential information, contraception, pregnancy testing, advice and counselling, as well as testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections.
Alison Hamnett, operations manager for Liverpool, said: “It’s because of Helen Brook’s hard work and bravery that young people in Liverpool today are able to access free and confidential sexual health support and services.
“I feel proud to be part of this legacy”.
Helen Marshall, Chief Executive of Brook added: “Despite the fierce opposition and prejudice Helen Brook faced over 50 years ago, she created a pioneering health service for young women who desperately needed support.
“Today, faced with the enormous challenge of funding cuts, we must continue to work with the same passion and determination in order to meet the needs of young people nationwide.”