Girls Support Girls |
Case Studies
Helping girls build confidence and take control of their
mental, sexual and physical health
Girls Support Girls (GSG) is a specially devised workshop programme for vulnerable young women aged 13–16.
The programme builds self-esteem, confidence and knowledge and motivates young girls to take control of their mental, sexual and physical health.
Here are some case studies that demonstrate the programme’s effectiveness.
Case Study | Sarah, 15
Sarah was referred to us from Langdon Park School as a result of her low self-esteem and lack of confidence. Throughout the workshop programme, we saw Sarah go from trying to dominate a room, in a way that was often disruptive and distracting to the other girls, to her contributing to discussions in a thoughtful and insightful way.
Through ongoing mentoring after the initial GSG workshops, the one-to-one sessions have given Sarah a constant source of engagement through which she has built trust with our mentor helping her feel supported enough to confide in us regarding bullying, sexuality, and friendships. This has subsequently led to Sarah obtaining support from her school regarding bullying, and also provided a space whereby she is able to talk about her fears and apprehensions in a space that is safe and free from judgement.
Case Study | Priti, 14
On the first day of the three-day Girls Support Girls project Priti was reserved and painfully quiet. She was unable to maintain eye contact for any amount of time or even look up from the floor when speaking to anyone, including her peers. Priti struggled with all of the activities that included addressing the group and introducing herself, and in any form of group work or discussion Priti often remained silent. When it came to socialising Priti would often opt to sit alone, and wanted to spend time on her phone, rather than engaging.
After our first debrief of the day, our facilitation team decided that the best way in which to support Priti was to pair her with a facilitator who would work closely with her throughout the project. In order to inspire confidence but at the same time, be mindful of Priti’s reservations, we endeavoured to create a space within the project where Priti was able to grow in confidence through positive feedback and encouragement, on a one-to-one basis. In any form of group work, our team made sure to pair Priti with the facilitator that she had developed a bond with.
Soon, we were able to see a huge change in Priti’s demeanour, not only with the team but with her peers. In being able to hold conversations and receive positive affirmations from one of the facilitators, Priti was able to find the confidence to address and befriend her peers.By the last day, Priti left the project on her way to the park with the other young women and had already exchanged numbers with all of the girls in the project.
“I feel more valued and less body shame because this workshop has taught me you have one life, live it!”
– Hannah, 14, The Warren Secondary School, London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
“[I liked that the programme] made me more confident and gave me a better understanding about relationships and goals.”
– Aqsa, 13, Jo Richardson Community School, London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
Case Study | Emma, aged 13
Emma immediately struck us as withdrawn and shy. Initially, she was reluctant to contribute to group discussions and even chose to remove herself from an activity. Having acknowledged that Emma was feeling uncomfortable, a facilitator reassured her that she could take some time out whenever she needed to. By listening and showing empathy, the facilitator substantiated that Emma was in a supportive environment and her participation was valued.
Only a short time later, she independently chose to rejoin the group for a new activity and as the workshop progressed, she became more and more engaged, finding her voice in conversations and offering her opinions voluntarily. By the end of the day, Emma evidently felt more confident and made some constructive and informed contributions.
Each student filled out an evaluation form at the end of the day and Emma stated that she had enjoyed the programme and had a greater understanding of mental health issues, the risks of unsafe sex, negative relationships and local services. She also confirmed that she now felt it was important to talk to someone you trust about your feelings. This was proven when she approached a facilitator at the end of the session, to disclose that she had been self-harming and was at a loss as to what to do to aid her recovery. She was offered some techniques for her to practice and was advised that Chain Reaction would raise it with the school so they could enhance the support they currently offer her.
Having reported the disclosure to the Safeguarding Lead at her school, they are now providing Emma with further support. Additionally, she sought out the Safeguarding staff to pass on her thanks to the facilitator she spoke to at Chain Reaction and for sharing it with the school.
*Photos are from the project, not of actual case study participants. Names have been changed.