A school-based wellbeing program helping students develop healthier relationships with themselves and their bodies by challenging appearance pressure, building confidence and fostering kindness towards themselves and others.
Build Up supports schools to address body image and self-esteem challenges through practical, engaging and evidence-informed learning. This program is available in both female-only and mixed-gender formats.
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 think critically about the social, cultural and online influences that shape how they see themselves and others.
Delivered over five interactive one-hour sessions, the program explores:
- Understanding self-worth beyond appearance
- Challenging unrealistic appearance, attractiveness and success standards
- Navigating social media with confidence and critical thinking
- Recognising the impact of words on body image and self-worth
- Becoming a positive influence by building themselves and others up
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 students in years five to eight and is available in both female-only and mixed-gender formats.
The program supports students to explore self-worth, confidence, body image and media literacy in a safe, engaging and supportive environment.
Can you run this program for students outside years five to eight?
Brimbank Youth Services works with young people aged 10 to 25 years, unfortunately we are not able to work with students below year five.
While this program is currently designed for students in years five to eight, some concepts may be able to be tailored for older groups – please reach out to us at bys@brimbank.vic.gov.au to discuss suitability.
Can this program be run for male students?
Build Up is currently available in female-only and mixed-gender formats.
While many of the program’s themes, such as self worth, media literacy and appearance pressures are relevant to all young people, we do not currently offer a male-only version.
A program specifically designed for boys would require different content, activities and facilitation to reflect their experiences and maximise engagement.
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 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.