Donation ensures young women psychological help
Every day, many young women struggle with low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression – now 20 of them will receive free help thanks to a donation of 200,000 kroner from Fonden Sol og Strand by Margit and Kjeld.
The donation will finance free psychological programs for around 20 girls in North Jutland. The target group is girls and young women aged 12-24 who struggle with low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and other mental challenges.
– The distress among young girls is unfortunately increasing – a study shows that only ten percent of 15-year-old girls are satisfied with their quality of life, and there is a rise in stress and poor mental health among young women, says the director and founder of GirlTalk, Anna Bjerre.
A safe space for well-being and development
GirlTalk has branches in Copenhagen, Aalborg, Odense, and Aarhus. Anna Bjerre established GirlTalk as a chat counseling service when she started her psychology studies in 2004. Over the years, the need for help has grown – each year, GirlTalk receives more than 8,000 inquiries.
– We live in a society characterized by a fast pace, where many young people feel trapped in a culture of performance and perfection. This can lead to low self-esteem and a feeling of inadequacy, which we are working to alleviate, says Anna Bjerre.
GirlTalk offers – in addition to anonymous chat counseling – also psychological programs – where girls and young women are met at eye level and receive tools to strengthen their self-esteem, regulate emotions, and handle life's challenges. The programs are tailored to each girl's needs and include up to 10 free sessions, which can also involve parents if deemed relevant.
The initiative also includes evaluations that ensure a positive effect on the girls' mental health, social relationships, and ability to handle stress.
According to Anna Bjerre, there is a significant difference in North Jutland regarding how long the waiting time is if one needs a non-urgent appointment through the public system. In some municipalities, the waiting time is over a year. That's a long time to wait when life is painful.
– Thanks to this donation, we can help around 20 young women who otherwise would not have the financial means to access the necessary treatment, says Anna Bjerre.