What about the girls!?

We all want to feel good about ourselves. But sometimes, especially when you’re trying to figure out who you are and where you fit in the world, it can be difficult to feel good.

Family Works Central’s girls’ programme, known as ‘What about the girls!?’ is a fun and relaxed group programme that can help you improve how you feel about yourself and the world around you.

It’s been designed for girls aged 12 to 16, and gives you the opportunity to talk with other teens about your experiences and feelings in a safe and non-judgemental environment. You’ll learn practical skills and confidence to build your self-esteem.

What can I expect?

Each ‘What about the Girls’ programme runs over ten weeks (a two hour session each week).

In the first session you’ll begin to get to know the others in the group and agree to make sure each member is heard, valued and respected. After all, we want this to be a relaxed, safe and fun place to be. You’ll also spend time decorating a journal that you can write or draw in as the course progresses and beyond.

Throughout the rest of the course you’ll cover topics including:

• keeping yourself safe and making good choices – at parties, online and in relationships
• looking after your body and health
• feeling good about yourself; improving how you see yourself and becoming more confident
• having a voice, being heard and developing your personal boundaries
• developing healthy relationships, including respect and communication, with friends, partners, peers and family
• dealing with bullying and being hurt
• the hard stuff – drugs, alcohol and hurting yourself
• looking to the future, including how your decisions today will affect your future and planning a career.

Many girls tell us that at the end of the course they not only feel better about themselves and more confident in dealing with the world around them, but they also feel stronger and better able to support their friends.

At the end of the ten week course we’ll hold a celebration where you’ll be presented with a ‘What about the Girls’ certificate. This is always a great occasion and we encourage you to invite family and friends along.

Joining the ‘What about the Girls’ programme

‘What about the girls’ is currently run in Hutt Valley, Wellington and Wairarapa. The programme is usually run free-of-charge. Call us to find out when the next programme is planned.

What about the Girls is not a government funded programme, but is made possible thanks to the generosity of trusts and foundations in our community.