Health and Wellbeing

At PEP, we believe that health and wellbeing is vital for strong communities.

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For Global Ethnic Majority (GEM) women, being active is not just about fitness; it’s about building confidence and making connections. Unfortunately, GEM women often face barriers to physical activity, with only 52% meeting the recommended activity levels compared to 65% of White British women. This highlights the need for inclusive initiatives that promote health.

One of our key projects is the Empowering Walk Club, which started during the COVID-19 pandemic. After many women expressed interest in a walking group, we launched the club in December 2021. Now with over 1,900 female members, the club hosts three walks a week for all abilities. Led by volunteer women, these walks help build friendships and encourage healthier choices.

We also run Health and Wellbeing Sessions in collaboration with local leisure centre’s and other organisations. For over six years, we’ve engaged 100s of women in activities like yoga, aerobics, horse riding, dance, self-defense and nutrition workshops. The strong participation from GEM women led us to create two simultaneous yoga sessions, supported by Up and Active as a model of good practice.

In addition to these initiatives, we offer tailored health courses and workshops that cater to the unique needs of our community. By partnering with local dentists, the NHS, and fitness Centre’s, we provide valuable resources and expert guidance on various health topics. Our goal is to empower individuals to take charge of their health in a friendly and supportive environment.

Our health initiatives aim to address the challenges faced by GEM communities, who often experience health inequalities. According to Sport England’s Active Lives Survey, only 36% of GEM women engage in physical activity weekly, compared to 41% of White British women.

Here are some of the health projects we provide:

Together, through these initiatives, we are nurturing a healthier, more connected community where GEM women can thrive and inspire one another.