My Story and Me: a storytelling intervention for young women and girls

What is My Story and Me?

We are developing a web-based platform called My Story and Me that aims to help young women and girls to understand and talk about their mental health.

Young women and girls using the platform will be able to watch videos of others talking about who they are, what their mental health story is and how they like to be supported. They’ll then be able to record their own mental health stories which are just for them.

Who can get involved?

Young women aged 16–25 living in the UK can get involved with My Story and Me.

Anyone who identifies as a young woman or girl can take part. Non-binary young people who feel the topic is relevant are also encouraged to get involved.

We want My Story and Me to be relevant to all young women and girls, including those from marginalised groups. We are keen to hear from LGBTQIA+ young people, neurodivergent young people and those from racially minoritised groups.

How to get involved

Option one: attend our workshops

In December 2024 and early 2025, we are holding online workshops where young people will help design and develop the web-based storytelling platform. We will show you how it works and let you try it out, and we’ll listen to your feedback.

We are holding three workshops and we'd like you to attend all of these. They will each last an hour and a half.

You will receive a voucher for attending each workshop.

Option two: join our young person advisory group

Joining our young person advisory group means you’ll help decide how the project progresses. It will involve the equivalent of two days of work: you’ll attend six online meetings every three months or so. The meetings will last between an hour and a half and two hours, and you’ll need to do some preparation before each meeting.

Some familiarity with research may be helpful. However, we will train and support you to ensure you feel prepared to take part in the advisory group.

You’ll be supported by our expert by experience lead and our researchers.

You’ll receive a voucher after each session as a thank you.

What will I get from taking part?

You will receive:

• support and supervision throughout the project

• training and experience in mental health research

• the opportunity to have your voice heard in all stages of the project

• the chance to work with other experts – those with lived or professional experience

• a certificate outlining your contribution to the project

• vouchers to thank you for your participation (receiving vouchers may affect tax and benefits – please get in touch to discuss this).

Next steps

If you want to take part, complete the expression of interest form.

We will arrange a time to speak to you to tell you more about the project and check you’re happy to take part.

Contact mystory@annafreud.org if you have any questions.