Far too many girls and young women today live with anxiety, loneliness, and distress – often without receiving the help they need when they need it the most. For many families, private psychological help is out of reach, and the waiting time in the public sector is often long. Therefore, it is important that there is an offer like GirlTalk, which works to prevent distress among girls and young women aged 12–24.

Today, GirlTalk has branches in Copenhagen, Aalborg, Odense, and Aarhus. Fonden Sol og Strand by Margit and Kjeld has previously supported GirlTalk's efforts in Northern Jutland, where free psychological sessions have proven to make a significant difference for girls in distress. The experiences from there now form the basis for expanding the efforts in Southern Denmark, where the need is also great.

– This is a donation that has an incredibly significant impact for GirlTalk. Now we can strengthen our efforts in Southern Denmark and thus help girls who are struggling, says Anna Bjerre, director of GirlTalk.

Specifically, the foundation funds will be used to hire a psychologist who can offer free psychological courses, counseling for girls and young women, and not least supervise the many volunteers who are an important part of GirlTalk.

– We have about 70 dedicated volunteers associated with the office in Odense, all of whom make an enormous difference every single day. It is essential that they are properly equipped to meet girls in vulnerable situations. Therefore, it is crucial that the volunteers receive ongoing supervision and professional support so that they feel safe and well-prepared for the task, says Anna Bjerre.

– When you engage as a volunteer at GirlTalk, you should be able to both provide support to others and also experience personal and professional growth. We want to create a safe space where you are well-prepared and gain experiences and tools to carry with you – even after your time with us, she says.

Anna Bjerre established GirlTalk in 2004. Today, the organization offers chat counseling, group courses, and psychological sessions. Over the years, the need for help has grown, and each year GirlTalk receives more than 9,500 inquiries.

The School Children's Survey 2022 – a national questionnaire survey among school students in Denmark – showed that only ten percent of 15-year-old girls are satisfied with their quality of life, and many struggle with low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, and stress.

– Our primary purpose at GirlTalk is to prevent girls from falling into serious distress. We meet them where they are, strengthen their self-esteem and belief in their own abilities. We provide them with tools for problem-solving and enhance their mental well-being, says Anna Bjerre.

With the donation, Fonden Sol og Strand by Margit and Kjeld hopes to contribute to even more girls gaining access to free psychological help and counseling.

– With support for GirlTalk, we want to back an initiative that is based on community, compassion, and early help – and that can make a real difference for girls and young women who are struggling. My hope is that we can give more girls in Southern Denmark timely access to help – and in this way help them out of distress and show them a way forward in life, says the foundation's co-founder, Margit Andersen.