Movement Fund:
Getting Women
and Girls Active
Through funding from Sport England’s Movement Fund, Saathi House has been supporting women and girls across Birmingham to become more physically active in ways that are welcoming, accessible and enjoyable.
The project was designed to help remove some of the barriers that can prevent women and girls from taking part in physical activity, while creating opportunities to build confidence, improve wellbeing and connect with others in the community.
At Saathi House, we recognise that being active is about much more than exercise. It can improve physical and mental wellbeing, provide opportunities to socialise and help people feel more confident and connected.
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Bringing movement into
the community
The Movement Fund project provided a range of activities designed to encourage women and girls to get active, try something new and develop healthier routines.
Activities included:
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Women’s walking groups – Friendly, supportive walks providing an accessible way to become more active while meeting other women.
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Netball sessions – Opportunities for women and girls to learn and develop their skills, improve fitness and enjoy playing as part of a team.
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Badminton – Fun and active sessions suitable for different abilities, helping participants develop confidence and physical skills.
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Cycling opportunities – Supporting women and girls to become more confident and active through cycling and outdoor activity.
The sessions were designed to be inclusive and supportive, particularly for women and girls who may not traditionally engage with organised sport or physical activity.
More than just being active
One of the most important aspects of the project was creating a welcoming environment where participants felt comfortable getting involved. For some participants, joining a new activity can feel daunting. By providing community-based sessions in familiar local spaces and encouraging women to take part together, the project helped make physical activity feel more accessible.
The sessions provided opportunities for participants to:
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Move more - Increase physical activity through regular, enjoyable sessions.
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Build confidence - Develop confidence in taking part in sport and trying new activities.
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Connect with others - Meet new people, develop friendships and strengthen community connections.
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Improve wellbeing - Support physical and emotional wellbeing through movement, social interaction and time outdoors.
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Try something new - Give participants the opportunity to explore activities they may not previously have considered.
Building confidence through community
The project has demonstrated the value of creating spaces where women and girls can be active together without feeling judged or excluded.
Whether participants joined a walking group, picked up a badminton racket, stepped onto the netball court or got on a bike, the focus was on making activity enjoyable and achievable.
For many people, taking the first step is the hardest part. By offering free or accessible activities, friendly support and opportunities to participate alongside others, Saathi House has helped make that first step easier.
The project has shown that when physical activity is delivered in a welcoming, community-focused environment, it can create much more than opportunities to exercise. It can help people build confidence, develop relationships, discover new interests and take positive steps towards healthier lifestyles.
