The Royal Borough of Greenwich is inspiring local women and girls to get active, as part of the 10th anniversary of Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign.
From clubs to free community sessions, there are countless ways for women and girls to get involved in sport and physical activity and feel the benefits of getting active in Greenwich.
Councillor Sandra Bauer, Cabinet Member for Equality, Culture and Communities, said: “Here in Royal Greenwich, we are committed to making sure everyone has the chance to take part in activities that make them feel stronger, healthier and happier.
“We want to encourage all women and girls to take the first step, and your community is here to support you. We’re working to break down barriers to participation and ensure that physical activity and sport is accessible and welcoming to all. Together, we can help more residents live active, confident and fulfilling lives.”
Locally, the council works with schools, community clubs and leisure providers to tackle barriers around fear of judgement, time pressures and the cost of taking part that many women and girls face when trying to get active.
This includes targeted sessions within our communities, such as our swimming programme with the HER Centre, who support women experiencing abuse. Over the six-week course, 15 women completed more than 144 hours of swimming. Those who took part have said the sessions boosted their confidence to take part in sport, improved mental wellbeing and built a stronger sense of community. Most participants have continued swimming independently, and that we already have a waiting list for the next programme.
One participant said: “Now that I am confident in the water, I can go with my children to the pool and practice what I have been taught. It feels good to have more confidence and not to be afraid of the water. Since we finished our sessions, I have been swimming with my children, and they are also happy to see me enjoy myself.”
Women and girls in Royal Greenwich can take part in a wide range of activities to boost their health, wellbeing, and confidence including:
- fitness classes, swimming and gym at our leisure centres
- community walking and running groups
- team sports like netball, football and rugby with local community clubs
- booking a session on a park tennis court
- marked and measured walking and running routes in our award-winning parks and open spaces.
Find ways to get active in Greenwich at royalgreenwich.gov.uk/get-active
Find out more about This Girl Can at thisgirlcan.co.uk