A Self Esteem Class Giving Confidence to Teenagers
"Gossip School is exactly what the UK is crying out for! This will help body confidence and self-esteem get back into the public eye, but more importantly get directly to the people who really matter- the youth of this country!
Between 13 and 18 years old we all make such important decisions that will go on to affect our entire lives, this will really give them a platform to get there with confidence!"
Gok Wan
"Gossip School....fulfills the key objective of body image lessons"
Jo Swinson MP, Chairman of the APPG on Body Image
Research shows that children as young as 10 are experiencing life-consuming dissatisfaction with their bodies. The Body Gossip campaign does not believe that it is acceptable for society's attitude towards beauty to rob young people of their childhood and stop them from enjoying their young adulthood. Devised by Body Gossiper Natasha Devon, Gossip School has now been taken to schools, colleges and universities all over the UK. In 2011, Gossip School won a Future 100 Award for Social Impact.
Gossip School' teaches a self-esteem class lasting between 45 and 90 minutes, aimed at teenagers aged 13-18. It's tailored to the needs of each school or college we visit. It has been shown to help students combat eating disorders, self-harm and lack of confidence. It has has also been shown to reduce the risk of bullying by encouraging students to have respect for themselves and for each other.
To book a Gossip School class call 07789 267243 or email natasha@bodygossip.org
"These young people might get all the academic qualifications in the World, but they will never get anywhere in life unless they are content in their own skin." Natasha Devon
Testimonials from students
"Today I found the session very inspirational. It was interesting how Natasha explained her past and how she found ways to fly past it . Also knowing that Body Gossip makes people believe that they are good enough the way they are instead changing everything to be someone they're not". AP, 15
"I just wanted to say that other than the fact that you were ridiculously funny your talk was also really inspirational so thankyou :)" NL, 14
"You were the talk of my year group for the rest of the day. Everyone loved your talk - quite frankly, you're the best speaker we've ever had in!" Matt, 15
"Your talk in our school was amazing and you're so funny, I was constantly laughing, you're brilliant Natasha Devon!" Brendon, 15
"You were brilliant today and you are a great role model" Lizzie, 16
"It showed me anyone with an eating disorder can overcome their illness" MV, 16
"Natasha told us about her so it hit you more because it's ok having someone explaining something but if they've never been through it they have no right telling you what's right and wrong....She was amazing at making people realise [eating disorders] are dangeous. Get her back next year for the other groups I say!" DA, 16
"You learned to accept yourself the way you are" ZS, 15
"I enjoyed the workshop because it was from personal experience" NH, 15
"We learned that you dont have to lose weight in certain industries just because they want you to" JP, 16
"The workshop has made me accept my own body how it is and understand how other people feel about their bodies and why they feel this way" AS, 16
"Really good, worth an hour of my life" HF, 15
"You learned to respect yourself as you are and don't worry about what others think.....Natasha did a really good job of keeping everyone entertained" EV & RS, 16
"I liked the fact that Natasha knew how to have a laugh and joke but still got her point across" Anon
"Natasha was very nice because she talked to the audience and was funny" GS, 16
When asked what they learned from the Workshop, Students at the Hertfordshire & Essex High School said:
- 'Just to be proud and comfortable with the body that you have and be happy'
- 'That you dont have to be skinny to believe in yourself'
- 'About how serious your health is and what happens or could go wrong'
- That it [eating disorders] affects more people than you realise and that there is always help if you need it'.
When asked which aspects they enjoyed most they said:
- 'Natasha Devon was amazing'
- 'The speaker was awesome, very inspiring.'
- 'Interesting and interactive.'
- 'It was really interesting to hear a personal story and see how it affects people. Natasha's story was heartbreaking.'
- 'It was easy to link the experiences to the information.'
- 'I love Natasha Devon'
Feedback from teachers and parents
"Informative, inspirational, entertaining".
Alison Lecky, Head of PSHE, Hertfordshire & Essex High School
Today, my daughter came home and repeated pretty much word-for-word what Natasha had taught her in the Gossip School lesson- And she never usually talks to me about school!
Parent, Surrey
You, and your talk, were brilliant yesterday. Thank you so much. Your rapport with the students was wonderful and they were thoroughly engaged throughout. I have been particularly impressed by the number of boys who loved your talk and were empowered and (occasionally) moved by it. The topic of you talk is of incredible importance and we will follow up the themes and issues you raised in Pastoral periods over the next two weeks. You were the perfect speaker to launch our fortnightly Pastoral theme of Self Image.
"The college is actively engaged with the 'every learner matters' agenda and the framework for excellence, so we're particularly proud to be associated with this extremely innovative and positive campaign. Students studying on a variety of courses such as fashion, music, hair, beauty, graphics and photography for example will be helping in the future to shape the attitudes and beliefs of our whole society, so for the creative academies we're fully supportive of the work of Natasha Devon (in association with Winning Minds and Body Gossip) in raising these issues at the first opportunity".
Andy Ginn, Director of Creative Academies, Gloucestershire College
"Natasha's session was brilliant, thought provoking and fun. Natasha spoke with passion and insight and encouraged students to value themselves and each other and to question media stereotypes. Natasha shared her moving experiences with an appreciative audience and was able to relate to the students superbly. The students really appreicated Natasha's presentation that was very serious and emotional. Natasha was able to build good will and feeling in this group of 150 with a great sense of humour. Many students at the end of the Citizenship and RS session said it was the best of the year so far and clearly Natasha had inspired them to be better and more caring people".
Simon Etheridge, Head of PSHE, Bishop’s Stortford High School
