An empty shop in Lewisham Shopping Centre is being transformed into an active space and is offering free classes to women and girls including yoga, boxing and more.
London Sport has launched the first phase of its Space for Girls project, transforming a vacant shop in Lewisham Shopping Centre into a health and wellbeing space.
This comes after it was found that there are a limited number of spaces and facilities specifically designed for women and girls, particularly teenage girls. It is also to tackle the high levels of inactivity amongst this demographic.
Budding future journalists from a Walworth school learn what it takes to be a reporter
A recent report from London Sport highlighted that only 41 per cent of girls in London are doing enough physical activity for their mental and physical health, eight per cent lower than their male counterparts.
The provision of public areas for activities is mostly made up of spaces like skate parks, BMX tracks, football pitches and multi-use games areas, which are used almost entirely by boys.
As well as inactivity and a general lack of space, safety is also a key issue for many girls in London and a barrier to being active.
Research from Girl Guide’s found that 80 per cent of girls aged between 11-21 feel unsafe when outside. This project looks to build positive active experiences for young women and ensure that they can take part in engaging sessions in a safe environment.
The ‘CommUNITY Space’ also doubles as a “warm zone” for local residents, which will provide free activity sessions, warm meals, and support and advice for the next three months.
Comment: The government has betrayed this sick elderly couple
The sessions currently on offer include yoga, strength and balance sessions, dancing, Zumba, boxing and spin classes for all ages and abilities – and are all free.
The new site in Lewisham will host The Felix Project, which will provide hot meals. The ‘CommUNITY Space’ will also receive additional funding from Sport England’s Together Fund, of which over £500k is being distributed by London Sport to grassroots clubs, sporting organisations, local authorities, and charities in London. The additional funding will enable more free sessions to be hosted in Lewisham Shopping Centre.
Chris Donkin, Strategic Lead for Active Environments at London Sport, said: “By finding innovative solutions to turn non-traditional spaces into active and safe environments, we can help more girls build an active habit for life.
Fundraiser for a statue in memory of a man who campaigned for peace outside parliament for ten years
“More than just improving physical health, this project will also help local residents socialise, relax, and find the support they need during this cost of living crisis.
“There are a high number of empty units around the capital like the one in Lewisham, we just need to think creatively about how they can best serve the community around them.”
The project is being delivered in partnership with Enable, Landsec, The Felix Project, and Lewisham Council.
For more information about the Space for Girls project, or to find out how to better utilise ‘dead spaces’ or non-traditional spaces for physical activity, please get in touch through info@londonsport.org.
Find them in Lewisham Shopping Centre, Molesworth Street, SE13 7HB (South Mall, opposite H&M)
WATCH: A tour of The Skip House that has settled in Bermondsey