Our Programmes
At GFS, girls take part in programmes designed to build the skills they need to feel happy, form friendships and grow in confidence.
Our activities help girls develop vital socio-emotional skills, which are proven to support positive life outcomes. That’s why we work in schools and communities, with sessions designed to help girls grow in three key areas:
- Reflecting skills – understanding who they are, managing emotions, and building resilience.
- Connecting skills – communicating well, showing empathy and working with others.
- Exploring skills – thinking creatively, trying new things, and strengthening confidence and self‑belief.
By building these skills, GFS programmes support girls’ wellbeing, relationships and confidence, helping them develop a strong sense of self so they feel ready to take on the world around them.
Girls reflect on what makes them special, creating t-shirts that celebrate their strengths.
Girls connect with inspiring
role models and practice teamwork, playing rugby with Saracens Women squad.
Girls explore the world of engineering, solving problems and learning new things to build their own robots.
Find out more about how we create fun, inclusive and impactful experiences for girls:
Early intervention
Research shows that there is a steep drop in girls’ confidence, self-esteem and general wellbeing around the age of 11.
Many organisations therefore support teenage girls and young women to rebuild what has been lost. However, at GFS we work with girls to prevent that drop-off rather than reversing it.
By developing key socio-emotional skills from an early age, we support girls to build healthy habits that support their self-belief, confidence and mental health. This way, girls are better able to manage the challenges of adolescence and build strong foundations for adult life.
Working with girls who need us most
While gender inequality affects all girls, we understand that its impact is greater for some than others. When gender intersects with economic disadvantage, outcomes for girls and young women worsen.
That’s why GFS prioritises working in underserved communities where girls may be given fewer chances to develop key skills, access safe spaces or experience new opportunities.
Strengthening these skills can improve life satisfaction and help reduce inequality, making a meaningful difference where need is greatest.
Safe spaces to have fun
We create safe, girl‑centred spaces where participants feel secure, valued and empowered.
Through enjoyable activities and trusted relationships with staff and volunteers, girls gain confidence, make friends and develop the skills to understand themselves, connect with others and explore their potential.
Non-competitive environments
We know that every girl is different so our programmes do not focus on achievement or progress. Instead we value girls’ individual strengths and experiences.
By celebrating each girl for who she is, we help build a vital sense of self-worth that will help her remember that she matters, in a world that often suggests otherwise.
Girl-led activities
Our programmes are designed with input from girls. We create opportunities for them to speak up and influence what happens at GFS to make sure we give girls what they want and need.
As well as informing programme on a national level, groups are encouraged to tailor sessions to be relevant for their girls and cover any issues that are notable within their community.
More about GFS groups
