Young women from secondary schools across Dundee came together today (Thursday 5 November) for a Girls for Change Day at Regional Performance Centre Dundee as part of Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week.
Organised by Active Schools Dundee, the event brought together girls from each secondary school for a day focused on wellbeing, confidence and empowering young women to have a greater voice in sport and physical activity.
The programme featured a series of interactive workshops delivered by NHS professionals, tackling issues that can influence how girls feel about themselves, their health and being active.
The Body Image workshop encouraged participants to recognise their strengths, look beyond appearance, understand the impact of online influences and explore how physical activity can support positive wellbeing.
Girls also took part in the Fuel Your Body, Boost Your Mood workshop, which examined the connection between food, mood and wellbeing, including the benefits of a balanced diet and the factors that influence everyday choices.
Alongside the workshops, participants enjoyed physical activity sessions and the opportunity to meet and learn from other young women from across the city.
The event marked the start of this year's Girls for Change Ambassador Programme, which aims to ensure girls' voices are heard in decisions affecting their health, wellbeing and participation in sport and physical activity.
Michelle Bruce, Active Schools Co-ordinator, said:
"Girls for Change is about creating a space where young women can come together, build confidence and talk openly about issues that affect their wellbeing.
"We know that body image, social pressures and confidence can influence how girls feel about being active. Today's workshops gave participants the opportunity to explore these topics in a supportive environment, learn from health professionals and share their own experiences.
Susan Johnstone, who is also an Active Schools co-ordinator added
"As part of Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week, this event is about more than participation. It's about listening to young women, understanding the barriers they face and ensuring their voices help shape future opportunities.
"By bringing together girls from right across Dundee, we hope to inspire positive wellbeing, build confidence and help more young women find activities that work for them."
Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week runs from 2 to 8 November and this year marks its tenth anniversary. The annual campaign celebrates the achievements of women and girls in sport and physical activity while encouraging more people to get active in ways that work for them.
Girls for Change Day forms part of a wider programme of opportunities available throughout the year, supporting young women to build confidence, improve wellbeing and discover activities they enjoy.
To find out more about activities run by Active Schools Dundee, which is managed in the city by Active Dundee part of Leisure & Culture Dundee, visit Home Page | Active Schools