New youth programs aimed at tween girls will be delivered in Mount Gambier by a local wellbeing business next term.
Sunflower Smiles Wellbeing is delivering the Sunflower Soul Tween Girls Empowerment Programs for girls aged between 8-11 years old “covering important and relevant topics affecting them right now”.
The first after school program in the series Flourishing FRIENDSHIPS is set to debut on Tuesday, April 29 in The Sunflower Shed.
This will be followed by BODY Love and FEELINGS Frenzy.
The programs cover three important topics: friendships/social challenges, body image/body acceptance and feelings/emotions/anxiety.
All programs are in three week blocks allowing skills and positive relationships to be built on each week.
Sunflower Soul Tween Girl Empowerment Programs are the latest initiative from Sunflower Smiles Wellbeing founder Jane Hillier, who is looking forward to sharing the highly anticipated programs with young people in her newly renovated space, The Sunflower Shed.
“These programs are especially designed for what matters to our tween girls right now in this generation,” she said.
“After 12 months of study, planning and discussions directly with youth and their families Sunflower Smiles Wellbeing is proud and excited to be part of the much-needed support to navigate this age demographic.
“Sometimes facing all the challenges and speed humps of raising a tween in 2025 can feel overwhelming, for parents/caregivers and our kids.
“This is my driving force to offer a space that is welcoming and accepting, but also fully supportive to tackle the issues with care and practicality.”
Ms Hillier has been working with young people for over 20 years.
“When I speak to many parents raising tweens, they express concern and worry for the tween years,” she said.
“Helping our young girls learn strategies and tools now to support this journey into teenage years is invaluable for their future wellbeing and success.
“The Sunflower Shed is a vibrant, unique space awaiting our local tween girls to be welcomed in, to celebrate themselves exactly as they are, while enjoying dedicated time to fostering self-compassion, gratitude, resilience and acceptance.
“These programs are small group sessions deliberately, so they can support all girls to feel heard, at ease and supported.
“While the Sunflower Smiles Wellbeing – Sunflower Soul Tween Girls Empowerment Programs have been in the works for quite a while, I do feel more than ever all parents/caregivers could use all the support they can get.
“These programs are about installing tools and support early before the teen years, that our girls can use to try to better navigate the speed bumps along the way.
“Protective factors are everything for our young people.”
Parents/caregivers that are interested in booking or would like more information can find Sunflower Smiles Wellbeing on Facebook, Instagram or make contact via email at janehillier12@gmail.com
