The Juno Project: Another Impactful Year
In 2023/24, The Juno Project continued to make a significant impact in the lives of young women, providing them with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to navigate life's challenges. Our focus remains on empowering young women, particularly those experiencing mental health challenges, by helping them develop a strong sense of self, build healthy relationships, and foster a positive outlook on their future.
Our Programmes: A Holistic Approach to Wellbeing
At the heart of The Juno Project are our workshops, which focus on three key areas: our relationship with ourselves, our relationships with others, and self-management skills and aspirations. These workshops are designed to help young women understand their values, build healthy relationships, and regulate their emotions by connecting thoughts, feelings, and behaviour.
In 2023/24, we supported 198 young women across 14 schools in West Sussex. These programmes not only helped them understand themselves better but also gave them the tools to make informed decisions, improve their self-worth, and create meaningful connections with others. Through our nurturing, supportive environment, we provided these young women with a safe space to explore their behaviours, attitudes, and responses.
The Transition to Secondary School
One of the highlights of our work is the transition workshop for young women in Year 6. We know that this is such a huge time for young people, navigating the seismic change from primary school to secondary school. Our Horizons workshops give these young women the reassurance that the changes they are facing are manageable. Our mentor programme pairs the with Year 11 students who can support them through the transition into Year 7, making their journey smoother and providing guidance when needed.
The Transformative Impact of Our Work in 2023/24
The positive outcomes of our programmes are clear in the data from the 2023/24 academic year:
75% of participants reported an increased sense of self-responsibility, meaning they are more aware of their values and how to ask for help when needed.
69% reported an improved understanding of what makes a healthy relationship, an essential life skill.
64% of participants experienced a boost in their aspirations and sense of purpose, showing a strong desire to set and achieve future goals.
64% felt a stronger sense of connection and contribution to their community, which is crucial for emotional well-being.
56% of the girls reported improved confidence and a more positive self-image.
Perhaps most telling of all, 100% of participants said they would take part in the programme again, a clear testament to the effectiveness of the support we offer.
Real-Life Stories of Change
Student feedback from this year has been inspiring:
“I feel a lot more comfortable with myself, and I don’t feel like I constantly have to fit in with others.”
“I would love to have more sessions as Juno has helped me grow as a person.”
“I have a smile on my face a lot more. Got all the toxic people out of my life and now all my friends are good.”
“I am kinder to myself, I understand myself better, I look after myself better, make sure I make time for myself, go to bed earlier, and am more organised.”
These testimonials highlight the profound changes young women experience during and after taking part in our programmes. They learn to prioritize themselves, embrace their individuality, and create healthier relationships—skills that last a lifetime.
Teacher Testimonials: The Ripple Effect of Juno
The feedback from teachers further underscores the transformative impact of The Juno Project:
“A definite feeling of self-worth and much more confidence in themselves.”
“Students have become more confident and engaged at school, showing resilience and coping with changes more effectively.”
“Two school refusers only attended for Juno and have now continued to come to school since it finished.”
“They have been more willing to attend lessons and support each other with work.”
These teacher insights show how the positive changes go beyond the workshops themselves, influencing the overall educational experience and well-being of the students. By helping these young women become more confident and resilient, we have made a lasting impact on their academic and personal lives.
Looking Ahead: Continued Empowerment and Growth
As we reflect on the success of 2023/24, we are proud of the progress we’ve made and the positive impact we’ve had on these young women’s lives. The Juno Project continues to create a safe, empowering space where young women can thrive, build confidence, and develop essential life skills.
Our work is far from over, and we are excited to see what the future holds for the young women we support. By continuing to foster an environment of self-empowerment and positive change, we are confident that we can help even more girls achieve their full potential and embrace the future with hope, confidence, and purpose.
The Juno Project relies exclusively on funding and grants to continue our work. Please take a moment to visit our Support Page to find out how you can help us continue our work in 2025 and beyond.