A school-based wellbeing program for young women to challenge unrealistic beauty standards, build body confidence and foster kindness toward themselves and others.
Build Up has been developed to support schools in responding to local wellbeing data showing that many young people – particularly girls – struggle with body image and self-esteem.
Informed by the Resilient Youth Australia Survey data, the Butterfly Foundation’s Free2Be program and the Dove Self Esteem Project’s Free Being Me, Build Up empower students to critically examine the social and media pressure that shape their views of themselves.
Delivered over five interactive one-hour sessions, the program explores:
- Understanding body image and self-talk
- Challenging unrealistic beauty standards
- Navigating social media safely
- Responding to appearance-based bullying
- Building body kindness and confidence
Expressions of interest are open!
While we will do our best to accommodate your school’s preferences, our team’s capacity is limited.
Priority will be given to early expressions of interest and to schools that have not previously received the program.
Have any questions?
Reach out to us at bys@brimbank.vic.gov.au.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this program for?
Build Up is designed for female students in years five to eight, typically targeting upper primary and lower secondary levels.
The program supports girls to explore self-worth, confidence and body image in a safe and supportive space.
Can you run this program for students outside years five to eight?
Brimbank Youth Services works with young people aged 10-25 years, unfortunately we are not able to work with students below year five.
While this program is currently designed for a younger cohort, some concepts may be tailored for older female groups – please reach out to us at bys@brimbank.vic.gov.au to discuss suitability.
Can this program be run for boys or mixed-gender groups?
Build Up has been specifically developed for female students, with content and activities tailored to their experiences.
Delivering the program to boys would require a different approach, and we currently do not have a male-specific version or male facilitators available – having a male facilitator is considered important for engagement and effectiveness in a boys’ program.
Who will be delivering the program?
The program is delivered by experienced Brimbank Youth Services youth workers, all of whom hold a current Working with Children Check (WWCC).
Occasionally, we will have Youth Work placement students support program delivery, who also have valid Working with Children Checks.
How is the program delivered?
Build Up runs over five sessions (approx. one hour each), delivered onsite at your school by our youth workers.
Sessions are interactive and combine discussion, reflection and creative activities to engage students in an open and supportive environment.
This is also why the program is delivered to smaller groups (10-25 students per group).
Is there a cost?
No – Build Up is free of charge for our local Brimbank schools.
What do you require from our school to run the program?
We’ll need:
- A suitable space (a regular classroom is fine)
- Access to projector/screen with laptop connectivity (we’ll bring a Windows laptop)
- A school staff member present to supervise, support student wellbeing and assist with behaviour management if needed
- A group of willing female students ready to engage and participate
How does this program link to the Victoria Curriculum?
Build Up supports outcomes in the Health and Physical Education (Personal, Social and Community Health) and Personal and Social Capability strands of the Victorian Curriculum.
Direct links can be provided upon request.