Led by Donna Haigh (Lived Experience), the session used a simple skincare routine to explore deeper themes around value, choices, and wellbeing. Donna began with a powerful illustration scrunching a £5 note and asking the girls its value, reminding them that no matter what they go through, their worth never changes.

As the session moved into skincare, each step carried a deeper meaning. During cleansing, the girls removed makeup and impurities from their skin, reflecting on what they might need to let go of in their lives- one girl giving an example of “bad friends”.

Toning then focused on ‘closing the pores,’ symbolising how, once we make the decision to let something go, we can also choose to close the door on it, not returning to unhealthy habits or situations, such as “being on my phone all the time”.

Finally, moisturising represented protection, thinking about how to put healthy boundaries in place and care for ourselves moving forward, with reflections such as “make better choices”, “think before I do”, and “saying no to people when I don’t feel comfortable.”

The session opened up honest conversations around relationships, identity, and self-worth, with the girls fully engaged throughout. Many are already asking for a follow-up make-up tutorial.

A huge thank you to Donna for creating such a powerful and memorable experience.