This case study explores the impact of community engagement with women and girls as a platform to address barriers to sport and physical activity and offer practical approaches to engagement and participation.
Background
Funded by the Football Foundation this project is known locally as Change the Game-Southwick. The aim of the project is to work with people who live and work in the Southwick area of Sunderland to increase their activity levels through community led guidance which has resulted in the development and implementation of a multi-sport and physical activity offer.
The objectives of the project are to engage and create physical activity opportunities for:
- men and women aged 55+ who are inactive – creating football opportunities
- men and women aged 16-55+ who are inactive with low self-esteem – creating opportunities to improve confidence
- women and girls aged 16+ – creating new women and girls only sessions
- inactive residents aged 16 – creating localised and informal playing opportunities
- family focus – opportunities for families to take part in activities.
The challenge
Increase activity levels in women and girls.
The solution
Understand the practicalities and logistical challenges that women and girls face to engage in physical activity to be able to plan and implement solutions to increase activity levels.
The impact
An increase in activity levels for women, girls and their families.
How is the new approach being sustained?
Upskilling the workforce and people in the community to champion ‘raising activity levels’ in women and girls.
Contact
Lauren Flaxen, Project Officer: