The Be Real Campaign was and still very much is, determined to change our attitudes towards body image. It strives to help all of us put health above appearance, and champions us to be confident in our own bodies. It is a national movement made up of individuals, schools, businesses, charities and public bodies.
This year, the Be Real Campaign has launched #IPledgeToBeReal and is asking the nation to fight against unrealistic beauty standards by signing up to its Body Image Pledge. The Pledge seeks to reflect reality and diversity, promote health and wellbeing, and advocate positive body image.
We know that low body confidence is damaging people’s lives. It affects everyone – all ages and genders, and it starts young. It impacts physical and mental health and holds them back from achieving all they could.
By signing the Pledge, individuals are making a commitment to the following four principles:
- Reflect Reality – limit, or stop editing pictures and use less filters
- Reflect Diversity – Speaking out against lack of diversity and unhealthy body image
- Promote Health & Wellbeing – talk more about what your body can do and not what it looks like
- Promote the Pledge – spread the word to help change society’s attitudes to body image
You can get involved by visiting the Be Real Website and signing the pledge for yourself. Then take to social media to spread the word using the hashtag #IPledgeToBeReal and post an unedited/unfiltered photo of yourself. The pledge is part of the campaign’s mission to tackle body image anxiety and promote confidence, health and wellbeing above appearance.
The Y is now a proud member of the Council for Disabled Children (CDC) in respect of the Flat 108 Enabling Independence Service. The CDC are the umbrella body for the disabled children’s sector bringing together professionals, practitioners and policy-makers since forming in 1974. It is a collection of more than 250 voluntary and community organisations representing various dimensions of the SEND sector.