Girls' friendship group makes a return to Sunderland community with launch of new sessions

The Girls’ Friendly Society has set up a new session in Red House, welcoming those aged nine and over from across the city, with activities geared towards helping their self-esteem grow and support their emotional wellbeing.

The organisation works to make a society free from gender inequality and helps youngsters learn to become resilient and develop the tools they need to fight for a fair society.

The charity has been running since 1875 and previously ran a group in the area back in the 1960s and 1970s.

Its first meet up has been held, with the sessions remaining online each Tuesday evening as the coroavirus restrictions continue.

There are plans to hold meetings in person at the Riverlife Church in Rutherglen Road from 6pm to 7.30pm once measures ease.

Helen Morrell, who is leading the group alongside a team of volunteers, said: "This is really about socialising and emotional learning in girls and young women, and this has been a really difficult time for everybody, but we really want to help build their confidence and self-esteem as we come out of 2020.

"We’ll be doing some crafts, especially in the run up to Christmas, and we’ll also be doing some work around mediation and gratitude.”

Subs per meeting once held in person will be around £3.

More information about the charity can be found via its Facebook page www.facebook.com/girlsfriendlysocietyuk or website girlsfriendlysociety.org.uk/while the Tuesday sessions can be found throughfb.me/e/1G7diLDi2

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