More Than a Woman
More Than A Woman (The Grenfell Girls Group) is a 11-19 yrs girls only youth group promoting life skills, well-being and female empowerment through regular creative sessions, mentorship, workshops and professional speakers.
Our work focuses on supporting girls to transition into the next stage of their lives in a positive way.
This project aims to:
Develop confidence and self-love
Enhance talents
Create own safe space
Debate on subjects picked by the members
Become creative
Re-enact past social experiences and talk about it to learn to overcome similar conflict
“This is the best group, I am able to debate and share stories and be myself.”
Style, culture and self expression: Our day at the Museum of Youth Culture
We recently headed to the Museum of Youth Culture for an Easter trip, diving into a century of teen life, fashion and subcultures. The girls explored the museum's incredible archive, discovering how style has always been a powerful form of self expression and identity.
They also got hands on in an interactive workshop, designing their own brand, complete with logo and strapline, using iconic archive photos for inspiration. It was all about unleashing creativity, owning your personal style, and understanding just how much fashion shapes culture and history.
A day at the London College of Beauty Therapy
YAA organised a beauty workshop for the girls group in collaboration with London College of Beauty Therapy (LCBT). An engagement Officer at LCBT, facilitated the session with seven girls. Content covered:
courses available ranging from make-up courses to various beauty procedures and therapies
demonstrations to learn about skincare - skin type and products to use for different skin types
make-up demonstration to learn the art of make-up including eyebrows, eye lashes, lipstick, and nails.
The girls were demonstrating on each other and themselves. They also showed interest in having another session on eye make-up, learning how to use bronzer and hair care.
2025/26 Impact
39
young women participated
79
sessions delivered
99%
attendance rate
93%
of participants enjoyed the programme
100%
felt motivated to engage in new activities
95%
of participants report that they have learnt to make positive choices for themselves and their future
88%
of participants report having learnt coping mechanisms to better manage challenges in their life
100%
of participants felt listened to & were able to engage
91%
of participants report that they have improved relationships with others
87%
of participants report their confidence has increased
“‘One of my favourite parts and highlights of the programme was being able to speak with everyone about relatable issues and experiences we face as young women.’ ”
“‘A highlight for me has been the ability to explore our individual backgrounds and talk about where we are from.’ ”
“ ‘I like attending the sessions as I feel comfortable talking about anything and expressing my thoughts.’ ”
Case study
Building confidence and finding clarity: F’s mentoring journey
F, 15, joined the mentoring project last quarter and has engaged consistently ever since. She was already part of the weekly girls’ group and was open about wanting support to manage stress, build confidence and gain more clarity about her future.
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At the time, F was juggling a lot. She felt anxious speaking up in class especially in presentations, despite enjoying subjects like English and History. At home, she carried significant responsibility as the eldest sibling, often supporting her family when her mum was unwell or away. She was also navigating a challenging romantic relationship that left her emotionally drained and struggling to set boundaries.
When mentoring began, F was highly self‑critical and tended to compare herself negatively to others. Perfectionism often led to procrastination, and public speaking felt overwhelming.
“I need help with being more confident when I speak up.”
Through regular mentoring sessions, F began to open up and trust the space. She became more aware of how hard she was being on herself and started to challenge negative self‑talk. With support, she learned to view mistakes and setbacks more kindly and began reframing comparison and failure.
Over time, real changes followed. F’s confidence grew and she started contributing more in school, particularly in English and History. She recently took part in a story presentation competition, something she wouldn’t have felt able to do before. Her anxiety around public speaking reduced, and she expressed interest in practising this skill further. She also began managing her phone use more consciously, helping her focus better both at school and at home.
Emotionally, F made progress in recognising unhealthy patterns in her relationship and expressed a desire to set firmer boundaries. She also became better at balancing responsibilities at home while prioritising her own wellbeing.
While she’s still exploring her future, F is now clearer about wanting to go to university, with a possible interest in studying History, and has begun thinking about part‑time work opportunities.
“I like attending the sessions because I feel comfortable talking about anything and expressing my thoughts.”
F’s journey shows how consistent, supportive mentoring can help young people build confidence, manage pressure and feel more hopeful and grounded about their future.
Days and times
Every Wednesday from 4pm – 6pm
@Kensington Leisure Centre, W10 6EX
Contact
Mia Lanny
Programme Lead
Mia@youthactionalliance.org