International Women’s Day: Stories of strength, support, and transformation

At Kids Inspire, we believe in the power of stories - how they shape us, connect us, and inspire others to take their own steps forward. This International Women’s Day (Saturday 8 March), we celebrate the resilience, dedication, and passion of three incredible young women under the age of 25 who have been part of our journey in different ways. Elmira is one of our therapists and works each week with children and young people who are experiencing mental health problems. Gwen has lived the experience of receiving support from our services and is now a successful entrepreneur. Sophie is an artist and supporter of Kids Inspire, gifting her time and influence to help the Kids Inspire voice be heard. Each journey shares their unique experiences of growth, challenge, and impact.

Elmira: Turning personal experience into professional impact

Elmira, Psychodynamic Counsellor

Elmira’s journey into therapy was driven by personal experience. Her first interaction with a school counsellor left her feeling unheard and unsupported. Determined to change that narrative for others, she pursued psychology studies. Despite early frustrations with the theoretical approach of formal education, Elmira remained committed to her passion. Alongside, she independently researched mental health and documented her findings in personal scrapbooks filled with insights, reflections, and artwork.

Elmira’s proactivity and curiosity led her to a deeper understanding of mental health and to pursue a degree in Therapeutic Care. This empowerment saw her take control of her own journey. Seeking therapy for herself proved transformative, and reinforced her desire to provide genuine, compassionate support for others.

“Throughout my studies, my personal experiences, and the guidance I received from the counsellors I worked with, I have learned invaluable lessons about resilience, self-awareness, and the power of therapy. These experiences continue to shape the therapist I am today, and I am committed to providing the same compassionate, supportive environment that I once longed for.” - Elmira

Completing her postgraduate study, Elmira now holds a Masters in Psychodynamic Counselling. Her role at Kids Inspire, where she now works as a therapist, specialising in play and art-based approaches, provides children with the safe, supportive space she once longed for.

Gwen: From services to entrepreneur

Gwen, Entrepreneur

When Gwen was first referred to Kids Inspire, she was facing significant personal challenges, including the recent diagnosis of ADHD and Autism. This led to a realisation that her brain worked differently from those around her. Through therapy, Gwen and her family gained a deeper understanding of ‘Gwen’ and how her brain functions. Later, through participation in our peer support group - The Voice - Gwen continued to build confidence, develop her social skills, and have lots of fun with her peers!

As Gwen progressed, she discovered a passion for design and engineering, which led to her pursuing vocational qualifications and entering competitions. One of her designs won a national award, and her entrepreneurial spirit flourished. She launched her own design and engineering business – The.Workshop LTD - offering design and prototyping services, as well as an innovative line of 3D-printed fidgets designed to support neurodivergent individuals like herself.

“Because of my life experiences, I have a better understanding of myself and others, and the confidence to pursue my aspirations - even if those aspirations may not be conventional or on the same timeline as everyone else.” - Gwen

Her work has since reached remarkable heights, not least through a tech-forward mobility aid prototype she created for a national business. The prototype allows visually impaired users to navigate their surroundings via AI, LiDAR and GPS technology and was presented at the 2024 Olympics to the Presidents of both the Paralympics and the Olympics. Further to this, Gwen is currently working on an innovative project called Spoonful. It is the first adaptive cooking and meal-planning application designed for neurodivergent and disabled users. The application defines recipes as sensory experiences and energy-aware activities, allowing users to select recipes based on texture preferences, energy exertion, and clean-up.

Her success knows no bounds, as she has recently secured a mentorship through The King’s Trust. Gwen continues to expand her business and advocate for accessibility and inclusion in engineering. She is an inspiration for other young people, and we watch in awe as her career grows.

Sophie: Using music to advocate for mental health

Growing up in a musical household in Essex, Sophie Griffiths developed a deep love for music, finding it an outlet for self-expression. Her career has since taken off, with her songs featured on national TV shows like Love Island and I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here. She has performed at major festivals, built a social media following of over 425,000, and seen millions of views on her content. Her 2023 EP, Note to Self, has resonated with thousands, earning over 500,000 streams. Her success is a reminder to Sophie of why she continues to do what she loves: “to connect with people through music.”

Sophie, Artist and content creator

Beyond her success in music, Sophie is a passionate advocate for mental health. Having experienced high-functioning anxiety, she understands the importance of early intervention and emotional support. Her journey inspired her to support Kids Inspire, recognising the charity’s vital role in equipping young people with tools to navigate their mental health challenges. Through her platform, she continues to raise awareness about emotional wellbeing, hoping to empower others through both music and advocacy.

“My personal journey has motivated me to support Kids Inspire. I have high-functioning anxiety, something I continue to manage and often channel into my music. Mental health challenges often take root in childhood, and by helping young people understand their emotions and to develop tools to navigate tough times, they’re being set up for healthier, more resilient futures. That kind of support can make a world of difference, and I’m passionate about advocating for it.” - Sophie

Celebrating strength and transformation

Elmira, Gwen, and Sophie each embody the spirit of International Women’s Day—resilience, growth, and the drive to make a difference. Their journeys are proof of the power of support, self-belief, and determination. At Kids Inspire, we are proud to have played a role in their paths, and we hope their stories encourage and inspire others to seek help, pursue their passions, and support those around them.

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If you have read this blog and feel inspired to tell your own story, we welcome hearing from you.