Beacon Heath Strong Women

by Ebbie (Community Builder)

What started as an eight-week taster programme—a free women's strength training group as part of a pilot project City Sisters—brought together a small group of friends who wanted to give it a try.

The first few weeks went well, although many of us couldn't even do a squat and had no idea how to use weights. We faced a few setbacks along the way. The space we were using was flooded, but our Community Builder helped us find a new home. We were welcomed by the local church, which generously allowed us to use their hall free of charge.

As the weeks went by, we grew stronger and stronger. Our confidence increased, friendships flourished, and we began to see what we could achieve together.

When the funding ran out to pay for the instructor, we knew we wanted to continue, but we weren't sure where or how. Once again, our Community Builder stepped in, helping us find another venue, a new instructor, and negotiating a further six weeks of funding to cover the hall hire, with members contributing a small weekly fee. When this ran out a further 2 months free hire was negotiated.

We were delighted to have a new base, and the group continued to grow in numbers. One attendee says: “I am stronger now, and I really look forward to the group each week”, another, “I wouldn’t have kept going if it was for this group”.

Today, we all really look forward to the group. It has become part of our weekly routine and is now firmly embedded as a healthy habit. More than just an exercise class, it has helped us build confidence, improve our strength, and create lasting friendships within our community.