How we support girls’ wellbeing with the Health Lottery Foundation

Posted: 12th January 2026

From school and social media pressures to harassment and cyberbullying, it’s not an easy time to be a girl. Young women face a multitude of challenges that all contribute to rising mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.

At SELFA, we understand how challenging life can be as a young person. This is why we’ve launched our SELFA Wellness group for girls and women aged 11 to 19 with the financial support of The Health Lottery Foundation.

With their generous £15,000 grant, our year-long project will support young women and girls aged 11-19, particularly those with Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) and autism, through creative and therapeutic activities.

“In the group, we use drama, movement and poetry to improve emotional regulation, self-expression, and communication skills,” says Emma Pears, CEO of SELFA children’s charity.

“It is designed for those who struggle with traditional mental health support, offering an alternative approach to promote emotional wellbeing and resilience for those facing complex challenges.”

The group also uses somatics, which focuses on awareness of physical sensations and how they relate to mental and emotional states to release tension and trauma.

“Our goal is to help young people build confidence, resilience and a greater understanding of their emotions, while fostering positive relationships and a sense of belonging,” adds Pears. “It also promotes mental health awareness and provides early intervention.”

In the UK, there’s a desperate need for more gender-specific support for girls, especially those from marginalised communities. Our SELFA Wellness group helps girls understand key issues that affect their health and wellbeing, including body image and hormonal changes. 

And importantly, we provide a safe space for girls to have fun! SELFA Wellness is an opportunity to make friends, gain confidence and build resilience through activities like sports, cooking, crafts, trips and community-based projects. Like many of our groups, those attending have a direct say in the kinds of activities they do – so we know exactly what they want and need.

As a small, grassroots charity, we hugely appreciate the support we get from organisations like The Health Lottery Foundation. Without their backing, we couldn’t do what we do. So thank you!