Women in Exeter are being encouraged to take part in more physical activity thanks to a new campaign from Sport England and Exeter City Council.
They’re working with partners across the city to ensure that women and girls can access a variety of opportunities to be physically active.
Exeter City Councillor Duncan Wood says that physical activity is a proven way to help improve health and wellbeing, and that there has never been a better time for a campaign such as this one, which Exeter City Council is proud to support.
He added: “Our local data shows that sadly women have found it harder than men to return to pre-Covid levels of activity. Low confidence, poor body image, lack of time and enjoyment and safety fears were all holding women back, so a big part of this campaign is to simply support and signpost to the variety of opportunities that exist across the city.”
Sport England has delivered a national This Girl Can campaign since 2015, and this year is focusing on women who face barriers to being active, including women on lower incomes, and who additionally are from black or Asian Muslim communities, are pregnant or with a child under the age of one, or are over 55.
Kate Peers from Sport England said that this is not about encouraging intensive exercise routines but working with local partners to encourage women in Exeter to take part in physical activity on their own terms.
She added: “We want This Girl Can to reach directly into the heart of Exeter’s communities and the women who stand to benefit the most from getting active. It’s hugely exciting to see partners ranging from the NHS and Active Devon to Wellbeing Exeter and Inclusive Exeter, working together to ensure that no woman is left behind.”
Active Devon’s Jenna Rickard who has contributed to this campaign said that there is a wide range of opportunities available.
She continues: “There are hundreds of free or low-cost opportunities to be active in Exeter. From park yoga to pickleball, somatic dancing and badminton, there are plenty of inspiring ways for people to be active. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to have an active lifestyle, and this campaign is a great opportunity for women to find something new and to be active in their way.”
Opportunities to take part in this programme are available to any woman in Exeter over the age of 16. Find out more at liveandmove.co.uk/this-girl-can
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