Success stories
Women and girls across the Borough are getting behind This Girl Can Eastleigh and it's changing lives
Dawn, aged 61 from Chandler's Ford, tried Bowls through the This Girl Can free session scheme
"By playing bowls, I am now leaving the house more and socialising with new people. I have made some really good friends and not only do we play bowls, we also take part in other social activities too, it’s great!
I would definitely recommend the ‘This Girl Can’ programme to residents in the local area. I didn’t ever think that I would join a bowls club, let alone go and win a high class competition and become ladies captain. ‘This Girl Can’ has made me realise that even at the age of 61, I can still get out and learn new things, make new friends and enjoy sport."
“The programme has helped to rebuild my confidence in myself and now I want to challenge myself further. I have continued to lift and I have lost weight whilst also building strength and muscle tone. This Girl Can is a brilliant way for people to get into sports that they might be nervous about committing to and I hope that others can benefit from the programme as much as I have.”
Mandy, aged 27 from Bishopstoke, who completed a This Girl Can Weightlifting course
“I always wanted to do yoga but was worried that if I joined a class, my 'unbendy' body would make me the weakling of the class. It is nothing like that - learning with other newbies for 6 weeks gave me confidence and I found a weekly activity that brings me mental as well as physical well-being.”
Kate, from Eastleigh, who completed a This Girl Can Yoga course
“I'm so glad I found out about this class through the scheme. I would certainly recommend trying out this Yoga class through the scheme especially if anyone is new to Yoga, as the class content can be easily tailored to suit newbies. After each class I come away with a sense that I have taken part in some good exercise whilst feeling refreshed and relaxed at the same time.”
Lucy, aged 42 from Eastleigh, tried Yoga through the This Girl Can free session scheme
“I now have a lot more energy and my fitness has definitely improved. I’ve made some lovely new friends and feel proud of myself, that at the age of 42, I’ve taken up a new sport and love it! The course may have ended but we have all continued playing. It has also inspired me to take up yoga, which a few months ago I wouldn’t have done. Alongside this, when I have gone to my squash sessions my two boys have come with me and gone swimming so it benefits us all.”
Tracey, aged 42 from Chandler’s Ford, who completed a Squash Girls Can course
(pictured in blue, holding her racquet at a This Girl Can squash session)