Project Background
The LIFEbeat Body Positivity Project was commissioned by Public Health and has explored the issue of body image amongst Year 10 pupils in four secondary schools around Somerset.
Introduction
The project sought to create a ‘culture of openness’ amongst participants around the subject of Body Image, linking it back to emotional mental health - increasing awareness of body positivity and confidence. It has aimed to develop an acceptance that it is ok to talk about emotions, the challenges of physical development, the impact of social media and to talk about recovery and hope.
“When you like yourself, you feel better. And when you feel
better, you can be more yourself. This helps us be more positive.”
In Delivering the Body Positivity Project for Somerset Public Health, LIFEbeat worked with 313 young people across 4 schools, and 7 young people as part of a Body Positivity Campaign Building Workshop. 184 participants have contributed to baseline data on Body Image and Body Positivity and over 60 have participated in a survey exploring more detailed factors affecting body image.
Amongst other findings, a significant portion of the young people involved in the workshops confirmed that what others think about the way they look is important to them. 73% of young people surveyed stated that the way they look is either quite important, very important or extremely important to them . It is clear therefore that body image is a significant issue for the Y10 groups that participated in the project and surely reflects the feelings of many young people in Somerset.
LIFEbeat have produced a thorough report of the work they have done. It details the project as a whole and the findings from their work with young people.
To download the executive summary presentation click: HERE Or a copy of the full Body Positivity report click: HERE
Teaching Resources and Campaign Materials - Key Stages 3&4
As part of the project, LIFEbeat developed an information sheet for developing a Body Positivity Campaign along with two lesson plans and a video that captured the voices of some of the young people involved. These have now been produced for schools to use as part of a planned programme of Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE).
LIFEbeat practice and resources provide teachers, and anyone working with children and young people, with a practical toolbox of ideas and resources to help improve resilience, self-esteem, emotional intelligence and social skills. The session are designed to be experiential, using activities and practices to enhance the topics; to engage groups and to enliven learning.
