Building Confidence in Young WOmen
Girls Only Programmes Delivering Confidence
Two groups of young women from years 9 and 10 in Woodchurch High School have been delivering the culmination of their hard work on On Track to Achieve with athlete mentor, and former world champion Inline Skater, Jenna Downing. Engaging with younger students from local primary schools, as well as year 7 in their own school, the groups focused their social action projects on empowering their peers around wellbeing and supporting them in times of transition – reaching an amazing 300 young people!
Grace, one of the programme participants shared her enthusiasm for supporting other young people:
“Some highlights of the programme for me are teaching my dance to the year 6’s - having to use new skills and try to understand and engage the younger children. ”
Our research shows that young women are more likely to worry about their wellbeing and less likely to feel positive about achieving their goals or coping with setbacks – highlighting the need for female-only support, particularly around self-confidence and ability to achieve goals.
48% of females told us they feel positive about achieving their goals, compared to 58% of males.
40% of females told us they ʻoftenʼ worry about maintaining their mental wellbeing, compared to 32% of males.
33% of females feel told us they are ʻnot very confidentʼ about coping with setbacks, compared to 22% of males.
On Track to Achieve is a wellbeing programme designed for 11-19 yr olds who would benefit from the support of a positive role model to achieve their potential. Delivered in school, our world class athlete mentors work with students to improve confidence, resilience and wellbeing, equipping them with a winning mindset that’s ready to achieve. Funded by Football for Change, this programme in Wirral, specifically targeted young women, and has had great results, as Amelia, one of the participants shared with us:
“Before starting this programme some challenges I faced were lacking in confidence, and not being able to stick up for myself. I feel as though my mental and physical health has been affected by being body shamed by people of the same age and older. This made me feel insecure for a long time, however, I feel as though I have overcome my insecurities and built up more confidence.”
Liz Jones, lead teacher at the school shared her thoughts on the programme:
“The mix of girls includes those with SEMH needs, students who are presenting behavioural challenges and/or lacking in self-confidence. This programme gives them a focus within school other than academic, it shows them we as a school acknowledge their potential and are willing to invest in them. It enables them to bring their own interests, experiences and skill sets to be celebrated.
Feedback from staff and students at local primary schools showed they were delighted to have been involved with the transition sessions and really enjoyed the activities the girls planned and delivered. Students from year 7 and the attending staff members thought the wellbeing event was a great idea, very informative and they were surprised to see some of our more challenging students around school engaging and contributing so positively.
The programme as a whole empowers the girls to see they have worth, are capable of great things and can commit to something and see it through. Some of the girls have flourished in terms of their confidence, leadership skills, the ability to appropriately challenge and problem solve. These are skills for life which will continue to benefit them long after their time with us at Woodchurch.”
Athlete Mentor Jenna is brimming with pride as she shares the group’s achievements:
“The girls did a phenomenal job. They did all their planning for the sessions, and on the day it was really over to them! They delivered brilliant ‘Fast Fitness’ sessions with Year 6, including dance, scootering and boxing to name a few; and also ‘Wellbeing Workshops’ for 300 Year 7 pupils covering nutrition, mental health and self care. I am so proud of them!”
And the girls clearly agree with her positive thoughts – Amelia said of her time with Jenna:
“Working with Jenna my athlete mentor was a lot of fun…she has helped everyone loads and helped us through difficult times. I can see that her sport has helped her in being a mentor by showing her endurance and the struggles she has had to go through.”
Highlighting the important role Jenna has played as a mentor to the groups, Liz adds:
“I cannot praise Jenna enough - she brings enthusiasm, energy and tenacity to the group. She adapts to the dynamics within the selected girls to ensure they succeed. This year the girls have benefited even more from the addition of 1:1 mentoring session with Jenna where they can plan for the development of specific skills, problem solve and discuss any personal difficulties they may be having.
We are so grateful for the support of Football For Change in funding our place with Dame Kelly Holmes Trust.
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This On Track to Achieve programme was funded by Football for Change and delivered in Wirral.