Academy girls seek big sisters

THE search is on for 20 women to become “big sisters” to girls at Oasis Academy Oldham.

The academy has teamed up with the organisation Girls Out Loud to help raise the aspirations of teenage girls.

The Big Sisters programme involves women mentoring pupils, helping them to build their confidence, express their individuality and reject peer pressure, celebrity culture and sexulisation.

It lasts 12 months and involves an hour’s mentoring every three to four weeks and group activities. Training is provided.

The project will be launched on Friday, November 30.

Girls Out Loud founder Rachel Ward Lilley said: “Our big sisters offer a friendly face and someone to confide in — someone who has been there before and is happy to help.

“We work with the girls, not to guide them in any particular direction, but rather to listen, to care and to provide positive female role models.”

“Big sisters are recruited from all walks of life. The only fundamental requirement is that volunteers are strong, confident women with a deep desire to support girls aged 13 to 18.”

The programme will also hold a role-model relay at the academy in January when Year 9 girls will have the opportunity to meet lots of inspirational women.

Oasis Academy principal David Hayes said: “We are very keen to boost the self-confidence of our pupils and, through partnering with Girls Out Loud, we can empower our girls to make positive, informed decisions about their future.”

For more information or to volunteer, visit www.girlsoutloud.org.uk or contact Rachel Ward Lilley on rachel@girlsoutloud.org.uk or 07931-551 129.