First Helensburgh local Sammy Mahler changed her own life, now she’s changing others’.
“After many years in fashion, where I honed my skills in creativity and communication, I realised my true calling lay in supporting young people,” Sammy says.
“My journey from the fashion industry to youth advocacy was inspired by my own trauma as a teenager, and I’m dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of young girls.”
A mum of two, Sammy is well known locally for her generous support of local charities, including organising fundraisers at Tradies for domestic violence services and sharing styling advice at ‘Op Shop for a Cause’ nights at 2508 Salvos.
A couple of years ago, Sammy started studying again. She has now completed her youth work training and begun developing a mental health and wellness program for teenage girls.
“I am dedicated to empowering young people, particularly teen girls, helping them navigate challenges and build resilience through various programs and mentorship initiatives,” she says.
Sammy is also a career counsellor and youth mentor with the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra (MCCI), helping refugees and their families find work and education support.
This year, amid growing concerns by everyone from parents to government about the effects of social media on young minds, Sammy launched an ambitious new project.
What is your latest project?
My latest project, Glow Girls, provides a welcoming environment for young adolescent girls to enhance their well-being, build meaningful relationships, and develop essential skills. As the program facilitator, I focus on real-life tasks that encourage relationship-building and skill development.
My goal is to promote social cohesion and create a safe, supportive learning space where participants can acquire practical life skills and empower themselves to take charge of their well-being.
Who can take part?
Glow Girls is tailored for girls transitioning to Year 7 and Year 8. I also run Glow Girls mentoring sessions for girls in Years 7, 8, and 9, helping them navigate their transition into high school.
Why is it needed?
In today’s society, programs like Glow Girls are essential due to the overwhelming pressures that young girls face from social media, high levels of bullying, and the pervasive need to appear perfect.
These challenges can significantly impact their mental health and self-esteem, leading to feelings of isolation and anxiety. Glow Girls provides a supportive space where participants can openly discuss these issues, learn coping strategies, and develop resilience.
By fostering a sense of community and empowering girls to embrace their authentic selves, the program helps counteract the negative influences of social media and bullying, ultimately promoting a healthier mindset and well-being.
How are you helping girls gain confidence?
Through the diverse content of my course. We cover a range of important topics, including self-esteem, anxiety, relationship awareness, gaslighting, recognising red flags and the impact of social media, among others. By addressing these critical areas, we aim to equip them with the tools they need to thrive in today’s complex world.
When and where can girls join in?
Currently, I’m fully booked until the end of the year, but I will be opening my schedule for 2025.
The course runs on Thursday or Friday afternoons from 4:30 to 6pm and spans 10 weeks. If participants enjoy the course, they can continue on to the mentorship program, which takes place bi-weekly on Thursdays. I’m currently running the program in Helensburgh and looking to expand to the Coal Coast as well.
Contact @afountainofyouth2021 on Instagram or Facebook, or email sammahle@bigpond.com
