Supporting Teenage Girls’ Mental Health: A Wellness Case Study

Mental health is a critical issue, especially among young people, with teenage girls being particularly vulnerable. For those struggling with the trauma of self-harm, finding ways to manage stress and build a sense of community can be life-changing. BUA FIT, in collaboration with The Wish Centre in Harrow and with funding from London Sport, delivered a bespoke wellness programme aimed at supporting these vulnerable girls. 

In this case study, we’ll explore the programme’s structure, the challenges of engaging such a sensitive demographic, and how a carefully designed wellness approach can create a positive and lasting impact. 

Understanding the Challenge: Supporting a Vulnerable Group 

Self-harm is a significant issue affecting many teenage girls, particularly those aged 14 to 17. For these young women, emotional distress often manifests in self-harm, leading to further isolation, anxiety, and depression. Building an effective wellness programme for such a vulnerable group required a sensitive, personalised approach that addressed not only their physical well-being but also their emotional and mental health. 

BUA FIT recognised that this project would require careful planning. It wasn’t just about delivering a standard wellness class—our mission was to create a safe, supportive environment where these girls could explore movement as a tool for healing, community-building, and fostering a healthier outlook on life. 

Programme Structure: A Wellness Series for Mind and Body 

The wellness programme was executed in collaboration with The Wish Centre, an organisation dedicated to supporting young people who self-harm. Funded by London Sport, the initiative aimed to help these girls become more physically active, build a stronger sense of community, and educate them on how movement can support a happier, more balanced life. 

Key Components of the Programme: 

• Target Demographic: Teenage girls aged 14 to 17, all of whom had a history of self-harming behaviour. 

• Objective: To use wellness activities, such as yoga and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), to increase physical activity, reduce stress, and foster community spirit among the participants. 

• Format: A series of 14 classes, delivered both in person and online to ensure accessibility and flexibility for all participants. 

The in-person classes provided a supportive, face-to-face environment to make it social, while the online sessions allowed for wider participation, ensuring no girl was left out and it was super convenient.  

Tailoring the Approach: Yoga and HIIT for Mental Wellness 

Understanding the specific needs of this group was key to designing the right approach. We recruited a coach with both the technical expertise and the emotional intelligence required to engage with these girls. The chosen coach helped to create a calm, nurturing space that encouraged trust and openness. 

• Yoga: Yoga was chosen for its ability to promote mindfulness and reduce anxiety. For girls who had experienced self-harm, yoga offered a gentle way to reconnect with their bodies in a compassionate and controlled manner. 

• HIIT: HIIT was introduced to provide a more vigorous outlet for pent-up energy and stress. This high-energy form of exercise helped the girls channel their emotions in a healthy, constructive way, while also building resilience and boosting self-esteem. 

The sessions were carefully designed to accommodate the emotional and mental states of the participants, ensuring they felt safe and supported throughout the programme. 

Building Community and Confidence 

Beyond physical activity, one of the main goals of the programme was to create a sense of community among the participants. Many of these girls had experienced isolation due to their mental health challenges, and building connections with others who shared similar struggles was a key focus. 

• Community Building: Group activities and discussions were integral to the programme, encouraging the girls to share their experiences, support each other, and celebrate their progress. These connections helped them realise they weren’t alone in their journey, fostering a sense of belonging. 

• Empowerment through Movement: The girls also learned how movement could be used as a tool to improve mental well-being. They gained a deeper understanding of how physical activity, when done mindfully, could help manage stress and anxiety. By the end of the programme, many felt empowered by the new skills they had developed and the healthier coping mechanisms they had discovered. 

Outcomes: Positive Steps Towards a Healthier Life 

The 14-class wellness series delivered significant benefits to the participants. Feedback from The Wish Centre indicated that the girls showed improvements in their engagement with physical activity, as well as an increased sense of well-being and self-worth. 

Project lead from London Sport, Jolyon Whaymand, “ London Sport was delighted to partner with BUA FIT, and the John Lyons Charity to bring these sessions to the Wish Centre. Supporting teenage girls to stay active continues to be a consistent theme for London Sport and the opportunity to work with the girls to create welcoming, engaging and enjoyable activities that met their needs and aspirations was fantastic.” 

Some key outcomes included: 

• Increased Physical Activity: Many of the girls became more comfortable with incorporating movement into their daily lives, whether through yoga, walking, or home-based HIIT sessions. 

• Stronger Sense of Community: The programme fostered strong bonds between the girls, giving them a support system that extended beyond the classes. They felt more connected and supported in their mental health journeys. 

• Mental Health Awareness: The girls left the programme with a better understanding of how movement could be used as a tool for managing mental health, giving them actionable steps to cope with difficult emotions. 

A Foundation for Future Wellness Programmes 

This case study highlights the importance of tailoring wellness solutions to the needs of specific, vulnerable populations. Through careful planning, expert partnerships, and a tailored approach, BUA FIT was able to create a programme that addressed the physical, emotional, and mental health needs of these teenage girls. 

The success of this programme underscores the power of customised wellness initiatives to drive meaningful change in the lives of participants, helping them take positive steps towards a healthier, happier future. 

Looking to create a wellness programme that transforms lives? Explore how BUA FIT can help your business or organisation deliver impactful wellness solutions.