Neighbourhood Wardens build positivity for Ashington girls

Horsham District Council’s Ashington Neighbourhood Wardens, Bryony Sparks and Christina Arnold, recently facilitated a ‘Girls Event’ in the village with the aim of empowering young girls to feel positive about themselves.

During the evening, the girls enjoyed a variety of talks and activities.

Lauren Hemming-Torres, a Physical Culture Association World Champion for fitness and bodybuilding gave a talk on healthy eating and prepared healthy snacks and smoothies for the girls that they could make at home. The session also opened up conversations about feeling healthy and confident in our bodies.

Becky Howie, a professional makeup artist, shared make-up tips and gave mini makeovers and two local volunteers ran some craft sessions.

Whilst enjoying fun activities, learning new skills and getting advice, the girls benefitted from increased confidence and self-esteem.

One of the girls commented:

We liked how open it was and how we could talk about ourselves freely.

There were information leaflets to take away, signposting to support and advice, should they need it. The wardens now plan to run a ‘Boys Event’, to promote confidence and self-esteem and to aid positive conversations about good mental health.