Latest news with #confidencebuilding
BBC News
16-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Maidstone girls supported by horses through Kent Police course
Young girls in Kent who have had issues with behaviour, school absence or confidence have said their outlooks have changed after working with Farm riding stables in West Farleigh, near Maidstone, teamed up with Kent Police to provide the Crime Cloppers course, which is now in its second girls from the Maidstone area have just completed the course funded by the charity Safer girl told the BBC it had increased her self-confidence, while another said her school attendance was "really good this term". One 13-year-old said she struggled to attend school prior to the course. She said: "I'm quite a naughty kid in school."My mental health was quite bad because of stuff that went on and my attendance. I never liked going in to school, but now my attendance is really good this term." The course also looks at issues such as self-esteem and drink learning to look after the horses, the girls also learn how to read body language and trust their Considine, an equine assisted learning practitioner from Tutsham Academy, said horses were "like mirrors." and were "really good at responding to emotions"."If you're walking a horse and you're nervous or you're not clear with it, it will eat the grass while you're walking it, but as soon as you start saying to it, 'no, I'm asking you to walk', and be firm, the horse responds," she said. Kent Police PCSO Kirsty Greaves, who set up the initiative, said education was key to keeping young girls safe. "We hope that by educating young girls about potential risks and teaching them to identify dangerous and risky situations and behaviours, we can reduce their risk of being exploited," she said.
CBS News
14-07-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
"Little Bellas" mentoring young girls via mountain biking
Just off the trailhead of the largest mountain bike trail system located entirely in a major U.S. city — St. Paul's Battle Creek trails — a series of pre-ride safety checks are underway. But the riders about to mount up are all rookies. They're Little Bellas, part of a national nonprofit mountain bike program for girls ages 7 to 13. Martha Flynn started the first chapter in the Midwest in Woodbury in 2016. "The reason that Little Bellas is the most perfect thing for me and for the girls that participate is it's a safe space for them to try something new and challenge themselves," Flynn said. There are now six Little Bellas programs in the Twin Cities, with each offering financial assistance and gear to those in need. This week-long summer camp is free to girls through a partnership with the Sanneh Foundation. "It's kind of like a roller coaster," said a rider named June. "You're going up and down and up and down, except you get your exercise in, too." Mountain biking is the path to building confidence and having fun. "To have a peer, a 9-year-old helping a 9-year-old tell them like, 'I was scared, too, and then I went over this rock,' like that is just gold," Flynn said. Little Bellas ride and play games in a non-competitive atmosphere with strong female mentors like Carrie Seipp. "I hope you'll know that you're really strong," Seipp said. "You'll start to learn to do things that scare you and also help others do that." Important lessons that these girls will take with them beyond the ride. "Don't be scared of anything you try and be confident in yourself," said a rider named Jayda. You can learn more about camps, weekly programs and rides on Little Bellas' website.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Teenager finds clear direction in life after help from YES Hub
A young Pendle man has found a clear direction for his life thanks to Pendle YES Hub. The Hub, managed by Active Lancashire and Positive Action in the Community on behalf of Pendle Borough Council, offers free support and training to 16–24-year-olds to help them gain confidence and employment. Abdul-Raheem Araf was referred to the YES Hub in August 2024 by his work coach as he navigated uncertainty about his future. Approaching his final year of college, the 17-year-old struggled with low confidence and anxiety over his next steps. His initial goal was to find part-time work, but he was also eager to gain a clearer sense of direction for life after education. Upon joining the Hub, staff quickly recognised the pressure Abdul was under and supported him in accessing NHS mental health drop-in sessions. This was a crucial first step in helping him improve his well-being and explore new opportunities. Abdul-Raheem Araf (Image: Abdul-Raheem Araf) As he began to engage more with the support on offer, he took part in a series of confidence-building activities, including outdoor adventure sessions, indoor climbing sessions and songwriting workshops. Abdul found that the physical activity sessions and wellbeing support in collaboration with local partner organisations helped him to reduce stress and gain a clearer sense of direction for his future, whilst connecting with other young people facing similar challenges. Abdul said: 'I've been supported in many ways, and it's really helped build my confidence. The YES Hub's outdoor activities have given me some mental stability and provided a helpful distraction from anxiety. I also attended their counselling sessions, which were great when I needed someone to listen and offer advice.' READ MORE: Act of betrayal as man stabs friend 20 times over unpaid £20 debt READ MORE: Education boss to monitor pupil attendance after school bus shake-up Throughout his time at the Hub, Abdul also received ongoing guidance from a dedicated work coach to explore the barriers he had faced in securing employment. With a CV and interview skills, Abdul secured part-time employment at Banny's in Colne. He has also been able to realise his dream of becoming a Paramedic – something he had felt was beyond reach before he accessed the YES Hub's support. As Abdul prepares to begin studying paramedic sciences, he continues to work part-time and attend the YES Hub to destress and socialise with others. Councillor Asjad Mahmood, deputy leader of Pendle Borough Council and Nelson Town Deal board member, said: 'The support Abdul has been offered has made a significant difference and helped him achieve something he never imagined. 'He is proof that initiatives like Pendle YES Hub really do help young people to overcome barriers when offered the right support. We wish him all the best for the future.'
BBC News
04-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Girls 'pushing their limits' with outdoor project
A group of girls from Devon say they have learnt to "push their limits" after taking part in a new project to embrace the National Park set up the scheme Girls Do Dartmoor for young women aged 12 to 17 to build communication skills and a six week programme a group of young women are introduced to different parts of Dartmoor and are supported to take part in physical activities, outdoor challenges and skill building sessions. Kats Koster-Shadbolt, community engagement ranger for the park, started the project and said once they are outside "they feel better in themselves, they get to run around, be silly, and play." The most recent group of girls to complete the sessions were Year 8 and Year 9 students from South Dartmoor Community College. Kelsie, 13, said: "I think [other girls] would get a big confident boost [from taking part], and learn how to socialise more with people, and it's showing that girls can do this stuff too, not just boys.""I've learnt to push my limits and try new things, I've found an inner bravery in myself, and I was a bit anti-social before, but this has been really helpful to me and I am opening up more," 13-year-old Kayla added. Martha, 13, said she felt she would be "a lot more brave outdoors" after the sessions. School staff said they had also noticed a change in their lead Tamara Dixon said she had seen the girls "thrive". "From starting off saying "I can't do this" to doing abseiling down rocks, the new social skills, learning from each other, they've adapted to what they can do, knowing their limits as well," she added.
BBC News
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
'Embarrassing myself on purpose is liberating'
A "so shy" woman who has been purposely embarrassing herself in public to try and overcome her social anxiety said it had "changed her life".TikToker Sophie Jones, 23, has been documenting her experiences with so-called rejection therapy, when someone purposely seeks knock-backs to build their confidence and combat their fear of being rebuffed, and has amassed 350,000 has gone to the supermarket wearing a wedding dress and even asked strangers to try on their shoes."It's definitely scary but if you feel the fear and do it anyway, it honestly is life-changing," she said. The social media star from Warrington said she began the challenges after a devastating break-up made her realise she had a fear of said: "I just was holding myself back and thought, 'You know what, this challenge makes my skin crawl'."So I thought if it makes my skin crawl that much then you clearly have a fear of rejection so give it a go." 'Life as a playground' She said it had increased her confidence and her whole perspective had changed. "I just see life more as like a playground and we don't have to stay caged in this invisible box," she said. "We're allowed to just be free." Professor of Counselling Psychology at University of Manchester, Terry Hanley, said rejection therapy was not something a professional would be trained in but said it could have some roots in behavioural said some might report benefits but warned there could be safety Hanley said: "Going up to strangers or shouting things on trains might not be the most sensible of activities."Therapists talk about creating a 'safe space' for people to explore. This has a contract and specific boundaries. This type of 'rejection therapy' does not." Mr Hanley said there were other ways for people to "generate an uncomfortable experience to reflect upon"."Joining things like drama, dancing or sports groups might be a safer way to feel out of your comfort zone."But Ms Jones said she would continue to carry out the challenges to show that "we should not care what others think of us" and "people staring can't hurt you"."The amount of opportunities I've had that I never would have had if I hadn't have just asked," she said."Just by asking the question and by purposely seeking it, you become desensitised to it and then your life becomes limitless." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas to
