NADia
At The Self-Esteem Team, our goal is to break down the ill vs well myth, to show that mental health is a continuum on which we ALL exist – constantly sliding up and down the scale depending on what is happening in our lives at any given point.
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Our mental health is a kaleidoscope of feelings we can't always label, and when we can't articulate them, we often start to wonder what's 'wrong'.
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One of the first schools I ever taught at, a girl from Year 9 came up to me and said, 'I don't feel right'. Unknowingly, she had just echoed back to me how I felt as a teen.
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There are therapists, doctors, gurus, textbooks, self-help bibles and everything in-between, telling us about emotional literacy and how we should talk about our wellbeing.
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Yet that girl said it best.
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We are none of those roles mentioned above. Instead, our superhero speakers are real people with real experience that young people relate to when they stand in front of the class and explain it's okay to not 'feel right' and say, I hear you, I see you, I am you.
Having experienced my own journey with self-harm and depression, I understand the aching frustration young people have in trying to find their voice and not knowing how to use it. For me, it meant 'wearing' my struggles as scars on my body to tell what words could not explain and spiralling alone in silence. My background in journalism (working for the majority of the UK's best-selling newspapers) has also given me a unique perspective into the inner workings of fame and celebrity, and the part they play in our relationship with self-esteem. This combination of personal and professional experience has helped shape the workshops to equip pupils with the tools needed to navigate a 24/7 world.
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All our classes are rooted in clinical study, twinned with ready-to-use strategies as soon as the class is over. Most importantly, our classes reduce feelings of alienation and loneliness, providing a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. We show through personal testimony and proven coping strategies that each of our lives has value and is worth living.
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Sessions are available virtually or in-person.
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To book a session, ask a question, or just say hi, click the link below. And remember, it's pronounced 'men-tl il-nis' not 'krey-zee'.
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Nadia Mendoza, founder Self-Esteem Team
ALEX
As a teacher and parent, Alex knows first-hand the challenges young people face today. Sharing tips on how to handle big emotions, dial down anxiety, and manage change, he is a non-judgemental listener who gives advice in an effective, older sibling way. Alex also leads our Drugs, Vaping, and Addiction talks.
declan
If you've ever felt 'different', Declan's got your back. His electric energy brings fun to every lesson. Behind the smiles, he grew up battling deeply intrusive thoughts as he came to terms with his sexuality. Through trust with others, and ultimately, himself, he found his voice. Now, he's on a mission to help others find theirs.
JUDE
Jude leads our Transgender Awareness and Inclusion workshops for teachers. Jude shares their wealth of knowledge, while leading from the heart, exploring what it means to 'fit in'. By tackling discrimination and social conditioning, staff will learn practical ways to boost team-building in class.
Amie
