GIRLS WITH DREAMS: CREATING SAFE SPACES FOR AMBITION TO GROW
We’ve all seen the news and reports of the negative impact of social media during adolescence…
Most girls today grow up immersed in social media, which can reflect a distorted version of life. Messages about success, beauty and ambition are often jumbled up and conflicting, with unhealthy stereotypes and role models emerging. We’ve all seen the news and reports of the negative impact of social media during adolescence, and girls seem to be affected more than boys.
Girls with dreams become women with vision
Liverpool-based Girls With Dreams Club (GWD) helps young girls aged 10 to 17 navigate the complexities of modern life through real-life networks, resources, and events. Sarah Worsley, one of the founders, says:
“Young girls and women often doubt their abilities, which can arise through a lack of real-life role models they can relate to. We describe ourselves as a movement created by mums, powered by community, and built for the next generation of girls.
“The mission of Girls with Dreams includes positively impacting the future outcomes of the girls we encounter. We help girls find their voice. We see their confidence and resilience grow. Then the magic happens as self-belief takes root.”
Sarah’s Co-founder is Nic Byrne. Nic is a serial entrepreneur and is trained in intuitive psychology, which informs GWD’s workshops, retreats, and pop-up events. Sarah herself is an integrative counsellor who specialises in supporting teenagers and their families.
Inner and outer glow
In 2026, GWD will launch the Inner and Outer Glow series, a programme designed to help girls build a sense of self from the inside out. Each week, they will blend self-care, mindset, wellbeing, and supportive group conversation into 90-minute sessions. Sarah says:
“We are setting up these young girls to grow into capable women. Through healthy habits, daily-choice coaching, and tapping into the power of kindness, we see them flourish.
“It’s common for us to see teenage girls struggling with confidence, anxiety and social connection. One girl attended several sessions and a Scouse Girl Social event. She gained confidence, the ability to express herself and the skills to engage socially – her parents told me how she began attending activities she had previously avoided and spoke more positively about herself.”
Scouse Girl Socials
A big success for GWD is their Scouse Girl Socials. These events shine a light on real-life connections, helping girls move away from dependence on technology and social media.
GWD sold 600 tickets to the first of these events at Boxpark in Cains Brewery Village in October 2025. The event featured a fashion show, DJs, and exhibitors. Specialist organisations were there to provide information and guidance on issues such as eating disorders and drug use.
“We’re helping girls be the best version of themselves at a young age so they grow confidently into adulthood and future careers.”
Alongside this, Sarah and Nic have tapped into Scouse female role models. GWD participants have heard from Natasha Jonas, a world champion boxer; Red Run apparel founder Megan Kimmance; and Georgia and Jade Morgan, who co-own Propel PR.
Scouse Girl Socials have grown into a powerful force for good; their recent festive ice skating event sold out within 24 hours.
The popularity of Scouse Girl Socials demonstrates how much girls want safe, inclusive spaces. At these events, girls find their voices, express themselves among peers, and enjoy being young for a while.
Scouse Girl Social 2.0 will return in March 2026, bringing an evolved series of events.
Dreams become reality
By equipping girls with the skills, confidence, and support they need today, GWD empowers them to achieve successful outcomes in adulthood, both in their future careers and personal lives. And for some girls, dreams of becoming entrepreneurs have already come true.
Success story: HandMade by Nina
Nina, aged 16 from Formby, has turned her hobby of making crochet bags into a brand! She has showcased her work in person at Scouse Girls Socials events. Her relationship with Girls With Dreams has nurtured her self-belief and entrepreneurial thinking. On her social media, Nina says,
“You only need to read one of your ambassador messages to realise how far you have come already.”
Success story: Haus of Irida™
Another founder is Lucie from Anfield, now in her early 20s. Lucie designs bright, motivational cases for all phone models. In her designs, she combines creativity with positive messaging, turning everyday items into confidence-boosting statements! One of the most popular cases bears the message “You are loved today, tomorrow and forever.”
Sarah adds, “These stories did not happen in isolation. These inspirational young ladies experienced an environment where girls are encouraged to try, where creativity is valued, and ambition is supported. We’re helping girls be the best version of themselves at a young age so they grow confidently into adulthood and future careers.”
Get involved
Girls With Dreams is currently funded through fundraising activities, event ticket sales, participation fees, donations, sponsorship, and community partnerships. The self-generating funding model permits them to remain community-led, responsible and accessible whilst delivering meaningful experiences for girls and young women.
GWD has a call-out on their website for funding bodies, schools, businesses, and community organisations to get involved. Sarah’s team can offer workshops in schools, co-create campaigns to challenge stereotypes, and host events that place girls at the centre.
