It all began with an idea…
Tani our Founder, had recently moved to St Helens- seeing the great need for young women in the community to have a safe place, outside of home and school, where they can connect in and find support on a weekly basis.
The first Free2b Girls group was founded in 2017 in St Helens
Free2b has continued growing thanks to community. With a focus on addressing social isolation and targeting outcomes on the needs of the youth and encouraging communities to support their young people.
The intention of each Free2b Group is to create a space for girls where they can feel a sense of place, exercise their freedom, choice and creativity within the boundaries of safety, tolerance and respect.
In 2019, in response to other communities asking: "Why do girls keep coming along? What do you do each week that's so special?Can we have something like this too?" Tani Langoulant decided to found 'Free2b Girls' and develop a program that could be shared with other regional areas through out Tasmania.
Values
Free2b Girls is a space where participants (and leaders) can exercise their freedom, choice and creativity within the boundaries of safety, tolerance and respect.
Mission
Our mission is to empower girls in rural and isolated communities by providing a safe, engaging after-school space where they can grow, learn, and connect. Through mentorship, activities, and community support, we aim to build confidence, foster leadership, and create opportunities for personal development. We are committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring every girl has the tools and support she needs to thrive.
Philosophy
Every girl deserves a safe, supportive environment where she can grow, learn, and explore her potential. We are committed to fostering a sense of community, empowerment, and belonging, where girls can be themselves without fear of judgment. Through our programs, we aim to nurture confidence, creativity, and resilience, helping each girl discover her unique strengths.
Free2b Groups have a simple outlook..
provide a safe space with adult mentors, food and craft.
Then open the doors.
This is how St Helens started, then Beaconsfield, Longford, Campbell Town and Youngtown. Each community has quickly wrapped these F2b groups in support from food donations, art supplies, a space to use and room to grow.
Free2b Girls has been continually wrapped in both local and wider community support from the beginning.
Many individual F2b groups will help food rescue and receive contributions towards providing food for all the participants. This often comes in the form of bakery donations/gift vouchers towards local supermarkets. All help is appreciated. If your business would like to support our missions we would love to hear from you.
Recently Mary Mackillop and Free2b Girls have connected over their shared values and are receiving support to continue the F2b mission and programs.