Teenage girls wanted!
We’re excited to launch a new national project at Make Space for Girls, and we’re looking for teenage girls aged 12 to 18 to help us shape it.
In early 2026, we’ll be creating a video that will be shared with councils and local authorities across the UK. Its purpose is simple. We want decision makers to understand what girls really need and value in parks and public spaces, and why it’s so important to design with girls, rather than for them.
To make this video meaningful, we want it to be led by girls themselves.
What the project is about
Girls’ voices are often missing from conversations about parks, play, and public space. This project sets out to change that. The video will combine lived experiences from girls across the UK with practical, evidence based ideas that show councils how to create more welcoming and inclusive places.
We’re bringing together a small group of 8 to 15 girls from different parts of the country to help guide and create the video. You don’t need any experience. You just need to care about the spaces you spend time in and be willing to share your thoughts.
How you can take part
There are lots of different ways to get involved. You can choose to be behind the scenes, in front of the camera, or a mix of both.
Girls might:
- Share experiences of parks and public spaces
- Help shape the ideas, structure, and tone of the video
- Create drawings, photos, clips, or voice notes
- Be involved in filming (optional)
- Share ideas for how girls’ voices can be heard more locally
It’s flexible and you can contribute in ways that suit you. We’ll talk through options at the start so you can decide what feels right.
What’s involved
The project runs from January to April 2026. It includes:
- An online introduction meeting in late January
- A series of 2 to 5 online sessions (scheduled around school and college)
- Small tasks between sessions that you can complete in any format
- A possible in person workshop depending on where group members live
You can be involved for as little as six hours in total. If you’d like to count this as Duke of Edinburgh volunteering, we can discuss that too.
As a thank you, everyone who takes part will receive vouchers, with the amount linked to their level of involvement, as well as a certificate once the project is complete.
Who is running the project
The project is led by Abigail Gaines, an associate with Make Space for Girls and lead for the Make Space York project. Abigail has extensive experience working with teenagers and is DBS checked.
We want to form a group that reflects a range of places, backgrounds, and experiences. Enthusiasm matters more than anything.
How to apply
Applications are open until 16 January 2026.
To apply, girls should email abigail@makespaceforgirls.co.uk with:
- Name
- Age
- Town or city
- A few sentences about why they’d like to be involved
Use the same email address if you have any questions in advance of applying or want to support in any way.
You can read the full project brief here.
Safeguarding and consent information can be found here.
We’re really excited to hear from girls who want to make change happen and help create public spaces that work better for everyone.
.png)
