The charity started in 2015 following the tragic death of Ashdon Muirhead who ended her own life at just the age of 14 years. As a teenager Ashdon struggled with peer pressure, peer aggression at school and lacking confidence about being herself in a society that pressurises young women to be and act a certain way.
Her mother Trisha Muirhead, continues to believe it is her life’s work to help as many girls faced with the same challenges as Ashdon. She set up Ashdon Jazz Academy in 2015 and has since supported over 300 vulnerable young women. The main work of the charity is to assign a mentor with a mentee on a 1:1 basis. They meet, or speak regularly and empower confidence, develop personal skills, deal with their challenges and be an listening ear. In addition, the charity continues to provide a weekly drop-in session, workshops, weekend retreats and other female only events. AJA works in partnership with local Councils, Youth Clubs, Schools, Children’s Social Care and other statutory and voluntary organisations. This enables them to target vulnerable young females who may benefit from being referred, or may wish to self-refer directly for mentoring, or to access one of the services.
The charity provide help for vulnerable young women who may be suffering from self-esteem issues, relational bullying, family breakdowns, stress and anxiety, involvement in criminality and gangs, and those who may be at risk of exclusion with a mentor.
The mentors give the girls the opportunity to build up a trusted and mutual relationship for a set period of time, usually 6 months. They will work alongside their identified mentee to work through their needs and discuss desired outcomes and how best to achieve them. During the agreed period the mentor will have regular dialogue with the mentee, whether in person, text, or via phone to help them overcome challenges, moving them forward to recognise their strengths and establish their place in society.
Our Opportunities
Mentors Wanted: Change a Young Person’s Life! The charity provide help for vulnerable young women who may be suffering from self-esteem issues, relational bullying, family breakdowns, stress and anxiety, involvement in criminality and gangs, and t