This March, females across Herefordshire and Worcestershire were encouraged to unleash their inner beginner as the 'This Girl Can' campaign returned to the region.
Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire teamed up with 13 schools and activity providers across the two counties to revolutionise girls' PE and physical activity. Students had the opportunity to take part in non-traditional sports including rock-climbing, golf, clubbercise, roller disco, rugby and yoga.
As the COVID-19 crisis has unfolded, we know that many women, girls, mums-to-be and elderly women have new concerns around getting active. However, there has never been a more important time to remain active, for positive mental wellbeing and physical health.
With the inclusion of physical activity and exercise in almost every daily government briefing, the message around the importance of physical activity for wellbeing is coming across loud and clear. A recent survey carried out by Sport England found that almost two thirds of adults consider exercise to be more important than ever before. Many people (67%) also believe that physical activity is helping them with their mental health during the outbreak.
The disruption caused by the coronavirus outbreak means that many females can't turn to the usual ways of getting active. Many of us have had to change how we get active, based on government advice and social distancing measures.
We've seen an abundance of resources emerging from PE with Joe Wicks, to free online workouts and Active Learning. However, we noticed a gap in the provision for teenage girls among other female cohorts. Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire is stepping up to meet the needs of our females and bridge the gap in free provision for teenage girls, pregnant women, new mums and older ladies by transforming their 'This Girl Can' campaign.
Aiming to inspire women and girls across the two counties to get active in a way that suits them, as well as support local instructors and coaches through this uncertain time, Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire is urging females to 'Stay In and Work Out' with their free online This Girl Can programme. The charity has teamed up with local trusted female physical activity coaches and instructors to commission a two-week timetable of free activity.
Huw Griffiths, Project Manager (Children and Young People) at Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire said, "There are plenty of ways that you can get active around the home. You don't need specialist equipment, fancy gym clothes or anyone to go with."
"Our This Girl Can campaign has gone from strength-to-strength over the past 4-years. We know that the fear of judgement is the single greatest barrier to physical activity among our females; whether that's because they feel they're not good enough or don't have the right kit to wear. It could be that they don't wish to get sweaty in front of others or be laughed at."
"Research also tells us that teenage girls cherish time spent with their mum. Being active with mum or in the family unit offers girls a safe space to get active and spend quality time together."
"We are excited to deliver our This Girl Can campaign online as well as supporting our local workforce. We want to break down the barriers for our females so this seemed like the perfect opportunity for women and girls to get active in the comfort of their own home, making the most of the judgement-free environment."
Details of activity sessions, how to join plus other information can be found at: https://www.activehw.co.uk/this-girl-can-online
If you have a story around how physical activity or sport has supported to you to create a positive change to your lifestyle or helped you through a challenging situation, we would love to hear from you: https://bit.ly/TGC-Case-Study. To find out more about Herefordshire and Worcestershire's This Girl Can campaign, please visit: https://www.activehw.co.uk/this-girl-can. Alternatively, you can contact Huw Griffiths on 01905 542033 or email huw.griffiths2@worc.ac.uk.
More information: https://www.activehw.co.uk/this-girl-can-online
