A UNIVERSITY graduate has set up a support group to help teenage girls struggling with confidence and self-esteem.

Katy-Jane Pitt, aged 22, from Leonard Stanley, is aiming to offer help to teenagers aged 14 to 16 and is raising funds to get the project off the ground.

After struggling with confidence issues as a pupil at Stroud High School, Katy is now trying to provide the support which she feels is lacking for many girls of secondary school age.

"When I was at Stroud High I had difficulties with self esteem and my confidence," said Katy, a psychology graduate from the University of South Wales in Newport.

" I always felt the underdog of the group, felt judged and never good enough.

"A few girls in my class also had similar issues.

"I know how hard it is for teenagers, and I want to help stamp out the development of eating disorders, depression and other mental health issues.

"It will be good to give something back to my old school and hopefully create a system that will catch on and begin to run through many schools."

Katy went about setting up the group after talking to current and previous students at Stroud High School who said they would benefit from the offer of support.

She has met with teachers from her former school who have offered to support the group.

Studying psychology, she also became more aware of mental health struggles and the problems people face on a daily basis.

An information day is being held at 4pm today (Monday) upstairs in The Social Light cafe in Stroud High Street for parents and young girls to learn about the new group.

Katy hopes the group will provide a confidential space where girls can voice concerns from low confidence, feeling pressured or struggling with anxiety.

But she needs to raise around £1,000 to get the ambitious project off the ground.

Money will be used to rent a venue where she hopes future sessions will be held on a Thursday or Friday afternoon.

Funds will also go towards providing resources for the group, such as diaries for the girls and support booklets to help track progress.

She hopes experts will be able to come and give talks to the group and plans to use the cash to carry out DBS for more volunteers.

"I think if this support system was in place during my school it would have helped massively," Katy told the SNJ.

"A place I could go to talk to someone that wasn't a teacher, but was an approachable person independent from the school.

"I have spoken to several young girls at my old school, current and previous students, and the feedback I have got is phenomenal."

To find out more about the group and to offer support contact Katy on 07795022808 or email katyjane.x@hotmail.co.uk

Visit the gofundme page at gofundme.com/2dc2yfw