The group using music to support teenage girls

The team at Girls Better With Music want to use the arts to help girls build confidence

A new support group for girls has been started, aimed at building confidence through music, art and drama.

Girls Better With Music takes place at The Base, Park North, Swindon and aims to offer a free and inclusive space for young people to express themselves and develop healthier relationships.

The project, run by Swindon-based CIC Sounds Like Women, is particularly for girls facing emotional or social challenges, but is open to all aged 11 to16, taking place over 20 weekly sessions between now and Easter.

"Music can teach people how to deal with emotions and how to deal with life," said music psychotherapist, Luiza Moir, who works on the project.

She added: "Music is all about creativity and improvisation, so if you know how to be creative in life, you can then find more solutions to things, even if you feel like you're stuck.

"This is a collaboration between a number of different agencies who referred the girls to us, but also a few girls self-referred after seeing our very gentle adverts on social media.

No musical experience is required, and all sessions are free to attend.

"We aimed to have 20 girls at the start," said Ms Moir.

"But now we're open for more girls to join."

The programme is part-funded by the Wiltshire & Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner, and by other private groups.