Our Story...
For 150 years GFS has been working with girls to help them overcome and face new challenges as they arise in our ever-changing world. See below where this journey has taken us so far…
The Birth of GFS
1875
In 1875 Mary Townsend established the Girls Friendly Society with help from the Anglican church. By providing young women moving from the countryside into cities for work with a network of support and community, the organisation pioneered a new form of preventative action that ultimately sought to protect girls from the dangers of exploitation.
1882
For this purpose to be effective, groups were intentionally non-sectarian and non-uniformed to ensure that as many girls as possible were able access to the growing number of boarding houses, activity groups and libraries offered by GFS. It also meant that in1882 the age of entry was quickly lowered from 12 to 8.
1897
Seeking to target the sources of girls’ problems, in 1897 GFS established a registry office, which helped members to find reliable work, and later a needlework depot to allow disabled or home-bound members an opportunity to earn money as well as be included in a community network.
GFS at War
1914
When war broke out in 1914, many dressmakers lost their jobs because factories had to begin supplying the front lines. To ensure that their members had work GFS established a soft toy factory and found them new jobs.
1916
As well as continuing everyday activities in groups, GFS also established the War Emergency Committee which specifically helped fund activities for female war workers and recruit women into positions onthe home front.
Modernisation in the Interwar Period
1921
After the war GFS sought to expand its mission further, acquiring Argyll House, which took in homeless girls and those escaping domestic violence. In this year GFS was also gifted a caravan from Princess Mary which traveled around the country raising awareness of the society’s amazing work.
1930
Throughout the 1930s there was increased emphasis on sports and health which saw GFS girls compete in many sporting events and physical activity lessons, such as gymnastics and running.
WWII and Female Leadership
1942
At the start of WWII GFS resumed the Emergency War Council and continued their other vitally important work. They also set up a Wartime Training Scheme for girls aged 14-18 where they could learn a variety of skills like poultry keeping!
1951
GFS exhibited at the Southbank Centre as part of the Festival of Britain a national celebration of the end of war and austerity which showcased achievements in science, technology and the arts.
1954
In this year GFS launched the King George VI Training Corps programme to encourage strong female leadership.
GFS National Community and Empowerment
1955
One of the highlights of the GFS calendar was its summer schools which offered girls from less privileged backgrounds the chance to travel to different areas of the country, take part in exciting activities and mix with girls from other groups.
1975
As young women began to enter the professional workplace, GFS continued to provide support and a sense of community in the form of ‘Girls At Work’ lunch clubs and courses which even took some groups internationally.
1989
Although forced to begin reducing our housing schemes in this period, GFS adapted its way of providing assistance to young women setting up community based education projects aimed to build girls’ self-confidence.
1993
GFS has always taken part in challenges and competitions, in 1993 this saw our groups from around the nation work together in an attempt to break the world record for the longest knitted scarf.
GFS in the 21st Century
2000s
After more 125 years it became clear that for GFS to continue effectively supporting girls, certain aspects of the organisation needed to be reconsidered. While this did bring an end to longstanding social housing, community projects and relationship with the Anglican Church, importantly our values and vision stayed the same.
2013
GFS Girls in London brought to life the renowned writer Patricia Foster’s spoken word poem ‘LIPS’ helping to raise awareness around bullying in a creative and poignant way.
2020
Refusing to be stopped by the COVID-19 pandemic, GFS continued to run groups online, which also led to the development of our ‘Big Dreamers Club’ that allowed us to reach more girls to grow their confidence and leadership skills for the future.
2022-23
To better target the problems raised by our girls we started to expand our projects into schools through workshops and afterschool clubs. We have also increased our focus on mental health, inclusion and diversity through our national volunteer training programme.
2023-24
Our girls are always at the centre of our campaigns, so when we took part in Global’s Make Some Noise where our girls went on air with Heart Radio to tell the nation about GFS. In order to reach more girls where they need us most, we also launched our work in schools and recruited our first Groups and Schools Coordinator!
What comes next
At GFS our goal is to put ourselves out of business. We strive to create a society in which girls are free to be themselves and our work is no longer needed. We’re not there just yet, but click here to find out what we’re working on and how you can help too!
