OUr approach to tackling youth mental health
what’s going on?
In Brighton and Hove, children and young females' social, emotional and mental health is below the average across the South East, (Sussex Health and Care Partnership, 2022).
Young females experience higher diagnosis rates and higher hospital admissions for self harm than national averages.
We spoke to 97 young females aged 8–19 years old. 57% of them said their mental health negatively affects them, including anxiety, self-harm, eating disorders and body dysmorphia.
The gender health gap doesn’t make this any easier.
A quarter of young females have self-harmed — more than twice the rate of young men.
26% experience a common mental disorder (e.g. anxiety, depression) — nearly three times the male rate.
1 in 7 young females (16–24) have PTSD, compared with 3.6% of young men.
72% of those in suicide counselling with NSPCC are girls. Suicide is the third most common reason girls contact Childline.
75% of mental health issues begin before age 24, yet only 25% of young females access treatment; and 31% report provision does not meet their needs.
Our approach
Project Female’s unique approach combines youthwork, mental health support and social action in an inclusive dance setting.
01
Weekly workshops in underserved neighbourhoods
We adapt our activities to the emotional and physical access needs. We offer integrated mental health support - providing an essential service to Young Females absent from services.
02
Young females in sport
Blurb
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Leadership and professional development pathways
Our Dance Ambassadors empower other young females to develop confidence, and express themselves through commercial dance. In collaboration with Brighton Youth Centre, and in partnership with South East Dance.
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When we deliver, it’s not just a finished product—it’s a solution you can trust, backed by real care and effort.
“Every detail was thoughtfully executed. We're thrilled with the outcome.”
— Current Dance Ambassador
our impact
In the last 3 years we have supported 1075 young females to:
Improve their mental health and wellbeing
350 mental health check ins delivered
75 mental health first aid delivered
25 safeguarding interactions
61 % learned how to recognise how their mental health shows up in their bodies
52 % learned how to positively manage their mental health
92 % report greater mental health and wellbeing
Grow the power and resources to reach their potential
94% feel able to express their thoughts as part of the creative process
73% have grown in confidence during their time at Project Female
68% have grown in agency during their time at Project Female
88% report greater confidence and agency in settings outside of Project Female
Develop the tools to affect change in society
350 took part in social action projects
25 developed key skills for community organising