Case studies

Us Girls is an award-winning initiative designed to increase and sustain young women’s participation in sport and physical activity in low-income communities across the UK. Underpinned by the principles of Doorstep Sport, it is an evidence-based methodology that enables young women to take part in sport and physical activity in a way that suits them.

A mother was referred to the Physical Activity Social Prescribing service in her area by her GP for back pain. She was six months pregnant, solo parenting her toddler and living on the top floor of her block of flats. Life was physically tough, and she also felt very isolated. A Physical Activity Link Worker (PALW) contacted the mother, and helped to put in place solutions.

For Muslim women exercising around men is often discouraged due to modesty and practicalities of clothing. Palmer Park Leisure Centre had an underutilised space which has been transformed into a programmable gym space, with designated female only hours

A new UK-wide guide – Introduction to Local Climate Adaptation – has been released to bolster local climate resilience.

In January 2023, Active Wirral, facing soaring energy costs and a commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030, initiated a comprehensive energy efficiency project. Through delivering a range of interventions, the project exceeded its targets, avoiding £231K in costs and saving 335 tonnes CO2e, equivalent to driving around the globe 10 times in an SUV. Lessons learned included the importance of planned preventative maintenance, engaging operational staff, showcasing quick returns on investment, leveraging diverse expertise, and utilising automated project management tools. The initiative's success has prompted plans for a second round of interventions across the Council's assets.

Women and girls are typically less active than their male counterparts, with four in 10 women not active enough to ensure they get the full benefits of physical activity. Yet research suggest that women benefit more than men from physical activity.

Trafford Council have used the legacy of UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 as a huge opportunity for women and girls across Trafford to engage in a healthy lifestyle through football.

Worcestershire’s community grant programme has enabled hyperlocal projects aimed at increasing levels of physical activity for women and girls to be developed.

National children’s charity, the Youth Sport Trust worked collaboratively with Active Partners Trust (APT) to develop and deliver a programme of intervention to schools in targeted communities, to increase engagement and enjoyment of physical activity.