Giving Confidence, One Dress at a Time

For Zoe Mountstephen, Class of 1987, the sense of community that defined her years at LEH has continued to guide her life long after leaving school. She often reflects on how those experiences shaped her and how the friendships she formed still enrich her life today. Just last weekend she spent time in the Cotswolds with ten of her former classmates. They meet at least twice a year and remained closely connected during the pandemic, when regular Zoom calls provided both support and laughter. 

“We share the same values of family, community and helping others,” Zoe explains. Many members of the group balance their careers with voluntary work, such as mentoring teenagers or assisting local food banks and Meals on Wheels. Zoe describes herself as “forever grateful” for these remarkable women who have been part of her life for more than forty-five years. 

Zoe also remembers her school days fondly, particularly the memorable Tudor history lessons taught by Miss Thomas, whose storytelling and presence left a lasting impression. 

Since leaving school, Zoe has continued to turn her love of community into meaningful action. Last year she launched the Surrey and Middlesex chapter of All Dressed Up, a volunteer led not-for-profit organisation that provides free preloved and surplus prom dresses to students who would otherwise be unable to afford one. Their first pop up event in East Molesey welcomed nearly one hundred students. Many found not only a dress they loved but also a welcome boost in confidence. 

The project is entirely dependent on donations and the generosity of volunteers. Zoe hopes that All Dressed Up will achieve full charity status next year. 

She is now inviting alumnae to support the initiative. Anyone who has a clean and full-length prom dress suitable for a sixteen-year-old is encouraged to donate here. Zoe explains that such a simple act can make a significant difference to a young person and reflects the values of kindness, inclusion and community that she first learned at LEH.