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July 1, 2022
UK-based charity, Women in Sport (WIS) has created a programme to help girls “find and reclaim the joy of sport and excercise during puberty,” through its recently launched Big Sister project. The program is designed to provide a supportive space for teenage girls experiencing the changes of adulthood, whilst also educating and offering ways to improve wellbeing.
Big Sister is funded by the DCMS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) Tampon Tax led by WIS and Hey Girls, which is dedicated to eradicating period poverty and taboos around menstruation. It is being delivered by Places for People’s charity, Places Foundation and its leisure management arm.
Teenage girls can access an extensive range of resources and support – created and shaped by other girls – via the Big Sister online digital hub. The free content, support and practical advice from peer mentors is intended to help navigate the challenges of puberty that many teenage girls experience. Research conducted by WIS in March shows that more than one million teenage girls who once considered themselves ‘sporty,’ disengaged from sport following primary school. A fear of feeling judged, body image and puberty were significant factors that deterred young girls away from participating in or continuing sports.
Additionally, the research found that periods can act as a major barrier to sport and exercise, with 7 in 10 teens admitting that they don’t feel comfortable exercising during their menstrual cycle. Through the partnership with Hey Girls, the project aims to promote good menstrual health, break down the myths and taboos surrounding menstruation and ensure that period poverty is not a barrier to physical activity through free educational resources and providing access to free disposable and reusable period products.
“It is a travesty that gender and economic inequalities are leading to so many teenage girls missing out on the exhilaration and fulfillment of exercise – we need to give girls a break from the gender stereotypes that limit their freedom,” said Stephanie Hilborne OBE, CEO at Women in Sport.
The partnership with Places Leisure is meant to help inspire girls to keep active at their local leisure center. The digital hub includes educational resources on exercise and how it can help prevent numerous issues that affect girls’ and women’s lives, from anxiety and self-harm to osteoporosis (a medical condition that weakens bones). With depression and anxiety amongst teenagers in the UK more than doubling since the pandemic, the materials also address stigmas and gender stereotyping that can lead to poor mental health and wellbeing.
As part of Big Sister, teenage girls between the ages of 9 and 15 are being offered a free six-month gym membership across 11 leisure centers in Norwich, Sheffield, Rotherham and Amber Valley. The membership includes unlimited use of the gym, swimming facilities, group workout classes and advice.
Big Sister peer mentor, 19-year-old Ellen, said, “Puberty is tough for everyone, even girls who you presume ‘have got off lightly’ are going through their own difficulties. I wish I had the confidence to start exercising at a younger age…We are so lucky to now live in a world where there are so many options for everybody so no matter what your ability is, there will be something out there for you and Big Sister can help you discover your journey.”
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