'Girls Create' with Lily-Jo
A programme demonstrating how harnessing creativity can amplify girls' voices and support their mental health and self-expression. Girls led every stage of the work, producing performances and a film.
This service was delivered in partnership with the Lily-Jo Project, a non-profit mental health organisation led by counselling lecturer, singer and wellbeing coach Lily-Jo. Together, we delivered Girlguiding inspired programmes in 2 schools, Reddish Vale High School and Fairfield High School for Girls.
The schools had identified challenges including lack of self-confidence among girls. They particularly wanted to offer this opportunity to girls who are interested in creative outlets but rarely given enrichment opportunities. Each programme focused on wellbeing, creative expression and giving girls space to explore the issues affecting them.
Running from September 2025 to January 2026, the project involved 27 young people and was facilitated by Lily-Jo. With her guidance, the girls led every stage of their creative work: identifying the challenges they face, gathering insights, developing ideas and producing a final piece that channelled their creative expression.
'I feel the project worked excellently and really helped the pupils progress with understanding and skills. The fact they were supported to create their own drama and dance pieces alongside writing and performing a song was excellent…The girls spoke really positively about the whole experience and loved being a part of the project.' - Reddish Vale High School contact
Nurturing girls’ confidence through song, dance, drama and filmmaking
In both schools, the girls began by discussing mental health and the pressures young people face. They were encouraged to choose forms of creative expression that felt meaningful to them.
At Reddish Vale, the girls gravitated towards song, dance and drama. Through this, they decided that they would convey a message about mental health struggles through song and dance, create a drama piece on how bullying can contribute to poor mental health, and deliver a wrap-up speech with the key message of being kind to yourself and others. They then performed their pieces at an assembly to the whole of year 7.
Our contact at the school told us it's been a joy to help make the project happen, and that he's really pleased girls had the opportunity to grow their confidence.
At Fairfield, girls explored the topic of mental health through drama, movie-making, dance and art. They decided to bring all these creative elements together in a film entitled ‘It’s OK to be me’, to be presented to a younger year group. The film explores accepting yourself and others around you as individuals, combining scripted parts with documentary, music and dance.
Outcomes and impact on girls
Feedback from the 27 girls who took part was overwhelmingly positive. The girls told us they enjoyed the workshops, felt comfortable in the space we created, and valued having a programme designed specifically for them.
Every participant said the sessions were fun, that they felt safe to share their thoughts, and that facilitators listened to them with respect. They also loved taking the lead and shaping what the project became. At Reddish Vale, all girls said they appreciated having a girls-only space.
Almost all girls said they would recommend the project to others their age, and many highlighted how it helped them express themselves creatively. Most said they learned new skills, and reported improvements in their confidence and wellbeing.
Together, their feedback shows the difference a supportive, girl-led environment can make, giving girls space to explore ideas, build their skills and feel heard within their school community.
'Pupils had positive feedback. They enjoyed the experience and spoke about it being fun. I look forward to hearing about future projects from you. Thank you for giving Fairfield the opportunity to take part.' - Fairfield High School for Girls school contact
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