The Dare to Dream five week ‘Girls with Attitude’ program concluded this month with some positive outcomes. The program aimed at 13 to 17 year old females, focused on promoting and enhancing wellbeing through increased self-esteem. 

Through self defence, African drumming, canvas and nail art, students were able to explore life skills, explore emotions, feelings, self-esteem, confidence, assertiveness and relationship building. The program culminated with a parents’ forum. Here, students shared their journey towards discovering themselves and discussed strategies on how they can change their behaviour for more positive outcomes.

Justine Irons, Community Engagement Youth Officer, Headspace Dandenong, reflected on the program.

“This program has made significant changes in these young girls’ lives. It has given them the knowledge to break down stigmas around mental health, self-harm, anger, stress, depression and anxiety and to know where to go for support when they need it.  It has provided them with mindfulness techniques to keep calm in frustrating situations and provided strategies for positive self-talk”.