I love GFS because I feel like I can be my true self
(Girl, GFS Aigburth)
We give girls the tools they need to be themselves.
By helping girls develop a strong sense of self from an early age, we equip them with the skills needed to handle pressures and face life’s challenges as they get older.
We know that this will look different for every girl. Our work focuses on four key areas of support, enabling girls to take what they need from GFS in order to thrive.
GFS gives her the space to be herself and not try and be who she thinks others expect her to be (Parent, GFS Cramlington)
Wellbeing
87% of girls say that GFS helps them deal with ups and downs in their life
People are there for you and you learn that accepting help is okay. People who know you really well know what you need even when you won’t admit it, and that has helped me accept help and made things better. (Girl, GFS Layton)
GFS groups provide a safe space where girls can spend time away from every-day pressures.
Through building trusting relationships and creating a non-judgemental environment, our staff and volunteers support girls to feel welcome and accepted.
Our activities encourage girls to explore their thoughts, express their feelings, and find ways to cope with challenges.
We treat girls as individuals and tailor our approach to ensure everyone feels comfortable to join in in the way that works for them.
My daughter says she can be herself at group and doesn’t feel judged. The leaders always make the effort to speak to the girls individually and ask them how their week has been and if they have anything they would like to share. (Parent GFS Blyth)
Relationships
85% of girls feel happier with their friendships since coming to GFS.
My GFS group has helped me make tons of new friends and show my creativity. It makes me feel confident (Girl, GFS Chester-Le-Street)
We know friendships are really important to girls, but can also be really challenging.
That’s why our programme supports girls to practice key skills like teamwork, communication and problem-solving that can help them cope with difficult situations.
Through meeting new people and sharing experiences, girls not only make friends and have fun, but learn how to navigate their relationships.
Friendships forged at GFS are a source of support which can last a lifetime.
Poppy is rather shy at times, but she has forged new friendships with other girls in the group, we have even had play dates! She loves the activities and the way in which she is always included. (Parent, GFS Pittington)
Confidence
77% of girls say that GFS gives them more confidence to be themselves.
I feel that I can talk about how I feel more freely and that I can express my feelings more (GFS school workshop, Y6 student)
In a world where girls’ voices are often overlooked, we encourage girls to speak up. Our creative activities help girls build the confidence to say what they think and to express themselves with their friends, in the classroom and on bigger stages.
We make sure girls influence what happens at GFS, from the snacks they enjoy to the topics we cover in our programme. By listening to girls, they learn that what they have to say is important and that they deserve to be heard.
The leaders at GFS talk to her, not at her. They listen to her like a family member would (Parent, GFS Blyth)
Opportunities
89% of girls say they have got better at trying new things
It was a little scary, the [caving] holes were really small but we did it and got through them. I’m not doing it again, but I’ve done it now and I am proud of myself. (GFS Aigburth girl)
Pressures and stereotypes can hold girls back from discovering their skills and interests.
Our unique opportunities help girls overcome these barriers and develop the confidence to follow their dreams.
Whether building robots, handling exotic animals or spending their first weekend away from home, we support girls to take on challenges big and small.
When girls try new things, we see their courage, resilience and self-belief grow as they learn they can do anything.
Our volunteer taught the girls a brief lesson on how to play the violin and a week later a pupil told me as a result of “having a go”, it has now given her the confidence to join the school violin group. (GFS Port Talbot, Group Coordinator)
Supporting girls who need it most
Having this group to support my two oldest children is so important. One has SEN need and without the help of access to fee waiver, the funds would be difficult for both to do. It has become a safe place for both children and some rest bite for myself. It is great that no matter the challenges my children have they would be able to attend and participate in all the activities the same as anyone else. (Parent, GFS Blyth)
We are currently focused growing our services in areas where it’s toughest to be a girl.
We know that we can make a real impact on girls’ lives by connecting them with opportunities they might not otherwise experience.
We keep our fees low so that all families can access our services, and offer full fee waivers to all who need them.
We also support girls who may have struggled to fit in at other groups or clubs.
Our non-competitive approach creates an inclusive space where all girls can join in and feel welcome.
There are no other groups locally offering the range of experiences or opportunities for residential visits/trips etc (Parent, GFS Pittington)
