in-person workshop | 3 hours
20
August
girlwise first-period experience
A creative and holistic workshop offering 9-12 year olds a radically positive view of menstrual cycles, the female body and their journey into teenhood.
3pm-6pm
Abbotshall HLC, Catford
£30
Are you looking to support your daughter as she steps into one of the most important phases of her life?
Sometimes it feels difficult to get started, especially as many of us didn’t get much support ourselves.
Maybe our Menarche passed uneventfully, with just a few practical instructions.
For some of us, it was a basic biology lesson at school that left us thinking that our menstrual experience meant just a period once a month, and shouldn’t be too much of a big deal.
The biology and the practical instructions are essential, of course. But it might have left us with an unanswered question…
What does it really mean to have a menstrual cycle?
Girlwise is here to acknowledge and celebrate all the incredible, magical amazing things that the female body is; to instil in our girls how it can be a beautiful tool to connect with themselves and their changing needs.
“I felt that the workshop was really empowering and informative for my daughter. It perfectly complements the discussions we’ve been having at home. I wish I had the opportunity to have such a supportive, positive experience when I was her age!”
Jen, mum of Agnes, 9
a fun and heart-felt experience
Girlwise is especially for girls approaching their first menstrual cycle.
Your daughter will join Jess King, Menstrual Cycle Coach and Educator, for an afternoon of creative activities, guided discoveries and open, respectful conversations. Our intention is to anchor her in reassurance and knowledge, foster a loving self-appreciation and deep understanding of the journey she’s on. She’ll experience the Girlwise ‘Red-Tent’ effect; a cosy space to relax, hear stories, and learn about the energy change we experience at menstruation.
The first two hours of this glorious retreat are for your daughter only. For the final hour, we invite you to return and join your daughter for a connective creative activity and sharing your appreciation of her in the circle.
What We Offer
- Empowerment Through Education: Jess provides comprehensive knowledge about the menstrual cycle and the changing female body, all delivered from a place of self-compassion and respect, through a series of hands-on creative and engaging activities.
- Preparing for Her First Period with Self-Appreciation: Jess will encourage your daughter to feel positive about her first period and embrace its arrival, in addition to addressing practical knowledge that empowers her to handle changes confidently.
- Meaningful and Respectful Connections: Our workshop places integrity and connection at its heart. We strive to strengthen the bond between girls, and mothers and daughters, creating a safe space for open, honest and enjoyable discussions.
- Fun and Experiential: Integrating activities and interactive learning, our workshop is engaging and enjoyable. This experience is more than just about education; your daughter will have an enriching time with us, that nurtures a positive relationship with her body and establishes a foundation for life-long self-awareness.
My daughter Luna was a little unsure about attending the Girlwise session, but Jess immediately made all the girls feel welcome and relaxed. Luna felt comfortable enough to kick her shoes off and ground herself into the session! We especially enjoyed the section at the end where mums were welcomed to make a bracelet together. I’m truly grateful to Jess for this bonding experience that has allowed me and my daughter to communicate. Luna will now freely ask me questions about puberty!”
Leah, mum of Luna, 10
What your daughter will learn
- Female anatomy, physiology and what happens during the menstrual cycle.
- The ‘inner-seasons’ map of the menstrual cycle, her changing energy and self-care needs.
- All about a variety of menstrual products, how they can support her positively, and how to use them.
- What starting her period might look like and feel like, and how to create a Period-Prep Pack in readiness for it.
- A breathing and relaxation technique for feeling restful and soothed during menstruation.
- How the menstrual cycle is valued in other cultures, and has been viewed with reverence in the past.
“I just thought the entire thing was really good. I liked experimenting with the different period products. Jess is really nice.”
Agnes, 9
how long does the workshop last?
The workshop is 3 hours long. We change activities frequently to keep the girls feeling refreshed, and they are free to move around the room when they feel like it and take little breaks.
What age is this workshop for?
The suggested age for this workshop is between 9 and 12 years.
does this workshop teach about sex?
No, this workshop does not include teachings about sexual intercourse or relationships.
however, if any girl has questions on these topics, they’ll always be answered in a truthful, respectful and age-appropriate manner.
does this workshop teach about pregnancy?
We talk about pregnancy only in relation to the menstrual cycle. It is not a focus of the workshop.
Is this a drop-off session?
The first two hours of the workshop are for girls only, then we invite the mamas/carers back for the third hour to join in a connective creative activity together, and share some appreciation of her. So yes, at the start of the workshop, you will drop your daughter off.
We understand that some young people need some time to acclimatise with their parent present. If this is your child, you are welcome to come 10-15 minutes early and help her settle into the space.
For young people who need to have a parent or carer present for the duration of the workshop, please contact us for details about a dedicated experience for both mothers/carers and daughters.
Are there any refreshments?
There is a tea-break at the workshop, where girls can have drinks and a selection of snacks. They are also welcome to bring their own food if they need to.
What if my daughter has already started her periods?
Absolutely fine! She is welcome to come and learn more about her important stage of life. Even though there is plenty of space given for girls to share about their experiences, at no point will she be directly asked to share whether or not she has started her periods.
What if my daughter doesn't want to attend a workshop about periods?!
We understand! We’ve found from experience that younger girls tend to be more excited about it than teens. Perhaps she would be willing to attend with a friend, or you could focus on it being a ‘creative workshop for girls’, that is all about wellness and crafts. If your daughter really doesn’t feel its for her, you could look at our workshop for mums supporting daughters, Cycles of Connection.
upcoming dates
See when and where this workshop is running and book your place.
Book for a private group
You can book this workshop privately for a group of friends, a school class or community group. Contact us for more details.
invite me to your area
Think girls in your local community would benefit from having access to this workshop? Contact us and say hello!
Upcoming Events
20
August
girlwise first-period experience
A creative and holistic workshop offering 9-12 year olds a radically positive view of menstrual cycles, the female body and their journey into teenhood.
3pm-6pm
Abbotshall HLC, Catford
£30
Contact me
Book for a Private Group: You can book this workshop privately for a group of friends, a school class or community group. Contact us for more details.
Invite me to your Area: Think girls in your local community would benefit from having access to this workshop? Contact us and say hello!
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Jess X
