GFS is responding to the growing gender gaps in England and Wales by offering a network of groups addressing how girls feel by supporting them to grow into confident young women.
Neath Port Talbot was one of the lowest performers in Wales for girls’ rights, according to Plan UK’s Welsh Insights Report. We know the community can change that. But, nationwide resources for our youth are limited, with some local authorities having no money to allocate to them whatsoever.
The lack of resources does not reflect the urgent need for early-stage support for girls and young women. In fact, as a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic, gender inequality is rising at rates which threaten to undo decades of progress.
The next group will open in the Neath Community Centre this month. It will be volunteer run, with one local member of staff to support as Group Coordinator. GFS Neath will be open to all girls aged 7-11 that wish to join.
Sessions will provide a welcoming space where girls can come to try new things, build their confidence and just be themselves. Each week, activities take place in a safe, non-judgmental, single-gender space where play and socialising are encouraged through positive relationships with fellow GFS girls and volunteer role models.
They do loads of different things at the sessions, here’s a few of the things you get to do…..
- Team challenges so we can learn to work together
- Learning about incredible women who can inspire us
- Trips that help us learn independence
- Games and sports to get us active
- Just having loads of laughs and fun without any worries
They also offer valuable personal development opportunities for volunteers, who will have free access to GFS resources and training sessions, as well as the invaluable lessons they’ll learn from the girls themselves.
Clare Owens, GFS Neath Group Coordinator told us……
“Our GFS groups are great places for the girls to have fun, make friends and learn new skills. This can have a significant impact on how they feel about themselves, other people and the world around them.
To sign up or find out more about the group visit HERE. Or to volunteer, go HERE.
The sessions, held on Wednesdays during term time between 6 – 7.30pm are for girls aged between 7 and 11. They will be based at the Community Centre in Neath.
The fee at GFS Neath is £2 per week. GFS is a registered charity, and does not operate to make a profit. Weekly session fees, or ‘subs’ help to pay for costs such as insurance, venue hire and resources. Subs are paid weekly to ensure you don’t pay for sessions that your child doesn’t attend.
