Mission Statement/Testimonials
Mission Statement
Recent studies have shown an alarming and rapid incline in the number of people between the ages of 11 and 19 experiencing body confidence issues. Their lack of self-esteem is often manifested in negative body image, eating disorders, self harm or substance abuse. I passionately believe that a change needs to happen in the way society views and reacts to young people, perceptions of beauty, body image and eating disorders in order to address this growing problem. The aim of the campaign is to open young people's minds and to start them on the path to self acceptance. Only when they are happy in their own skins will they be able to get the most out of their education.
Natasha Devon
Testimonials
Feedback from Students
"Natasha is an inspiration, the talk was definitely an eye-opener, a lot of young ladies and guys need to hear what she has to say. Never thought an hour talk would be life changing!"
Esther Akkinuwah, Women's Officer at the University of Brimingham
"You learned to respect yourself as you are and don't worry about what others think…..Natasha did a really good job of keeping everyone entertained"
EV & RS, 16
"It showed me anyone with an eating disorder can overcome their illness"
MV, 16
"Natasha told us about her so it hit you more because it's ok having someone explaining something but if they've never been through it they have no right telling you what's right and wrong….She was amazing at making people realise [eating disorders] are dangeous. Get her back next year for the other groups I say!"
DA, 16
"You learned to accept yourself the way you are"
ZS, 15
"I enjoyed the workshop because it was from personal experience"
NH, 15
"We learned that you dont have to lose weight in certain industries just because they want you to"
JP, 16
"The workshop has made me accept my own body how it is and understand how other people feel about their bodies and why they feel this way"
AS, 16
"Really good, worth an hour of my life"
HF, 15
"I liked the fact that Natasha knew how to have a laugh and joke but still got her point across"
Anon
"Natasha was very nice because she talked to tha audience and was funny"
GS, 16
When asked what they learned from the Workshop, Students at the Hertfordshire & Essex High School said:
- 'Just to be proud and comfortable with the body that you have and be happy'
- 'That you dont have to be skinny to believe in yourself'
- 'About how serious your health is and what happens or could go wrong'
- That it [eating disorders] affects more people than you realise and that there is always help if you need it'.
When asked which aspects they enjoyed most they said:
- 'Natasha Devon was amazing'
- 'The speaker was awesome, very inspiring.'
- 'Interesting and interactive.'
- 'It was really interesting to hear a personal story and see how it affects people. Natasha's story was heartbreaking.'
- 'It was easy to link the experiences to the information.'
Feedback from Educators
Andy Ginn, Director of Creative Academies at
"The college is actively engaged with the 'every learner matters' agenda and the framework for excellence, so we're particularly proud to be associated with this extremely innovative and positive campaign. Students studying on a variety of courses such as fashion, music, hair, beauty, graphics and photography for example will be helping in the future to shape the attitudes and beliefs of our whole society, so for the creative academies we're fully supportive of the work of Natasha Devon (in association with Winning Minds and Body Gossip) in raising these issues at the first opportunity"
Simon Etheridge, Head of PSHE Bishop's Stortford High School said this about the workshop:
"Natasha's session was brilliant, thought provoking and fun. Natasha spoke with passion and insight and encouraged students to value themselves and each other and to question media stereotypes. Natasha shared her moving experiences with an appreciative audience and was able to relate to the students superbly. The students really appreicated Natasha's presentation that was very serious and emotional. Natasha was able to build good will and feeling in this group of 150 with a great sense of humour. Many students at the end of the Citizenship and RS session said it was the best of the year so far and clearly Natasha had inspired them to be better and more caring people".
Lucie Staniland, Teacher at Great Wyrley High School in Walsall said:
"I cannot thankyou enough for the workshop….. Everyone I have spoken to cannot sing your praises enough. I think it was insightful and inspiring"
Contact Information
If you are interested in speaking with me regarding the talks I give in schools and colleges, please contact me using the information below.
Natasha Devon,
Director of First Impressions, Winning Minds
Tel: 01799 523040
Email: natashadevon@winningminds.co.uk
0800 083 0143
