Andrea Bowen

Desperate Housewives star Andrea Bowen is joining forces with other celebrities to encourage the self-esteem of young people

A group of celebrities are joining forces with the Dove Self-Esteem  Fund to inspire young girls to feel better about their bodies, after
research reveals the need for more positive body role models.

The  celebrities involved in the campaign include Desperate Housewives  actress, Andrea Bowen, T4's Miquita Oliver, Blue Peter's Zoe Salmon and ex-Atomic Kitten, Liz McClarnon.

These celebrities will be working with Dove to facilitate a series of  BodyTalk workshops that seek to give young people the tools to build  positive self-esteem. Research commissioned by the Dove Self-Esteem Fund highlights the impact celebrities can have on young girls' self- esteem.

Startling statistics include:

• 77% of 11-14 year old girls said that when they looked at celebrities and models in the media, they felt fat, ugly and depressed
• 92% of girls say they want to change at least one aspect of  their physical appearance, with body weight ranking the highest

The body fat of models and actresses portrayed in the media is  at least 50% less than that of a healthy women.  As a result, the Dove Self-Esteem Fund is linking up with celebrities  to educate young people about how 'perfect' images in the media are  created, and give them the tools to inspire them and ultimately raise  their self-esteem.

The celebrity launch of the BodyTalk workshops, will kick-start today in London where Andrea Bowen, who plays Julie Mayer in Desperate Housewives, will  facilitate a discussion with a group of young people about the importance of having a healthy and positive body image.

Andrea Bowen says: "As a young person myself, I understand the pressures that all teenagers face when growing up about the way they look. Being in the public eye, I am aware that I can make a  difference for many young girls by speaking up for better self- esteem, and championing a healthier and positive attitude towards body image."

The launch of Andrea's BodyTalk workshop will be followed by three other workshops with UK based celebrity facilitators:

• Miquita Oliver, T4 presenter – Tuesday 27th November, Stoke Newington School
• Zoe Salmon, Blue Peter presenter – Wednesday 28th November, Forest School, Snaresbrook
• Liz McClarnon, singer – Thursday 13th December Liverpool school

To find out more about the workshops click on the link below