A network for girls aged between 12 and 14 focusing on relationships and building self-esteem is to take place over the autumn school break.

After the success of the Girl Code Summer Peer Group, Family Centre decided to extend the programme to reach younger girls and will cover the same hard-hitting topics in an age-appropriate format.

Rishèe Paschal, a counselling team leader at Family Centre, said: “We had such a great response from before with ages 14 to 16 and we saw this October break as an opportunity to bring in a younger cohort.

“Parents observed significant positive changes in their daughters who returned home each day excited and eager to attend.

“For the teens, we directly talked about suicide, sex and self-esteem.

“For our younger adolescents, we will still talk about very bold topics but the hope is that they are not as immersed in sexual activity so this has a more preventive element giving them that education to make good decisions when they are faced with some of those pressures.

“With them, we are talking more about grooming, some of the things that our adolescents need to be mindful of as it relates to these risks.

“We keep suicide and self-esteem as part of the curriculum because this age definitely faces anxiety and depression. That is the mental health component that threads through all of this.

“We are intentional on being aware of coping skills as it relates to some of the risks or concerns that you may readily identify with and the skills you need or safe people you can talk to.”

To provide relief from the serious subject matters, the group includes more light-hearted activities in the afternoons.

Ms Paschal added: “We shifted around some of our activities to ensure it is light and fun.

“We have a joy party, we have henna coming, we have art therapy and we are hoping to bring back our cake-making.

“Self-esteem is the main thing; it plays a huge role. Our afternoon activities focus on helping them to feel good about themselves.”

The first Girl Code group was held from July 22 to 26 and is due to take place again next summer followed by another group for a younger cohort next fall.

Tana Matthie, a counsellor at Family Centre, said that the programme will continue while there is a need for it in the community.

She pointed out that teenage girls are entering high school earlier because of changes to the education system.

Ms Matthie said: “Girls are a lot younger going into the high schools so it is important to build their confidence and self-esteem but to also be aware of what is happening around them in regards to relationships and the grooming aspect which is happening in high schools.”

She added: “We also base it on the community — if the need in the community changes, then we shift. There is a need for now and we are here to support that need.”

There are 12 places in the younger peer group, with only four still available.

Participants go through a screening process, and once selected, their parents are invited to an information session to talk through the content.

Anyone who would like to sign up for a chance to participate should call 232-1116 by October 15 and ask for a screener.

• The group runs from October 21 to 25, with sessions from 11am to 4.30pm at Family Centre on King Street. Attendance for the week is at the subsidised rate of $100