The Teen Project and Active Surrey: Empowering Girls to Thrive in Mind and Body

The Teen Project, working in partnership with Active Surrey,  have developed a school-based initiative designed to support the emotional and physical wellbeing of adolescent girls aged 11 to 16. In an age where rising anxiety, low self-esteem, and poor body image are widespread, especially among girls, this programme offers a timely and much-needed intervention. Research shows that 96% of young people say mental health impacts their schoolwork, and 78% of young people said that school had made their mental health worse. Furthermore, around 70% of girls from 13 to 17 years of age avoid normal daily activities such as attending school when they feel bad about their looks and nearly 30% of adolescent girls with poor body satisfaction will go on to develop depression in adulthood. The Teen Project responds with a comprehensive approach, addressing mental health, physical literacy, and nutrition.

Through a six-week programme, schools nominate 12 students who receive both personalised one-on-one mentoring and group-based workshops. These sessions aim to boost confidence, encourage physical activity, and foster healthy relationships with food and self-image. The focus is on practical, sustainable strategies that help girls develop resilience, reframe their self-perception, and build long-term habits for wellbeing.

At Three Rivers Academy, the project demonstrated striking results. Before the commencement of the course, participants were asked to complete a pre-assessment form to articulate their individual struggles. They then repeated this at the end of the course to measure impact. After just six weeks:

• Body confidence increased by 94%
• Mental wellbeing improved by 103%
• Attitudes to movement improved by 146%
• Relationships with food improved by 68%
• Teachers reported a 91% increase in student confidence and a 49% decrease in anxiety

Individual success stories highlighted girls beginning to eat at school after years of restricting food, reducing panic attacks, and a participant with a chronic fatigue condition re-engaging with physical activity for the first time in years.

1. Building Resilience and Confidence – Creating safe spaces for expression and developing emotional strength.
2. Breaking Down Barriers to Physical Activity – Addressing mental blocks and making movement feel accessible and enjoyable.
3. Promoting Positive Body Image – Shifting focus from appearance to individuality and self-worth.
4. Empowering Physical Literacy – Helping girls use movement as a tool for physical and mental health.
5. Empowering Mental Well-Being – Teaching mindfulness and self-regulation strategies.
6. Educating on Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyles – Encouraging informed and balanced choices around food.

The Teen Project doesn’t just aim to support individual students—it seeks to create a ripple effect across schools, helping to shape a more inclusive and mentally healthy culture. By equipping girls with the tools to thrive, and supporting schools in addressing a growing wellbeing crisis, The Teen Project offers a hopeful, effective model for real change in education.

For more information about The Teen Project, visit https://theteenproject.co.uk/

To find out more about Active Surrey’s work, visit https://www.activesurrey.com/