Women in Sport, the leading UK charity that researches sport purely from the perspective of women and girls, has been awarded funding generated by players of People’s Postcode Lottery through the Postcode Sport Trust. The £100k award will fund Women in Sport’s work in supporting more women going through menopause to access the lifelong benefits of sport, through research, programme development and campaigning.
Postcode Sport Trust supports charities and good causes that are improving the health of communities by encouraging and inspiring participation in sport through activities and facilities. Women in Sport will embark on a project that aims to re-engage women with physical activity during menopause so they can remain stronger and healthier into later life.
This unique programme will follow a group of women who are currently inactive and going through menopause, to develop an understanding of their lives, values and motivations. Previous research by Women in Sport has shown that 84% of women would like to be more active during the menopause. By working with other organisations in the sector the charity will look to create ideas to support women to engage in physical activity that meets their needs during menopause.
“We are delighted to receive this support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery to develop our understanding of menopause and look at how we can change the conversation around this important topic,” says Stephanie Hilborne, CEO Women in Sport. “We know that women of this age have been overlooked and ignored in their ability to be physically active, and we don’t think that it is fair for them to be invisible anymore. We want to help women to galvanise this moment of opportunity and use their voices to help inspire other women to break through the negative stereotyping and access sport in a positive and life-changing way.”
Hazel Johnston, Senior Programmes Manager at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “I am delighted that players of People’s Postcode Lottery are supporting Women in Sport with this fantastic project. Menopause is a topic often overlooked and I am proud that support from our players is allowing the development of a project that will actively engage women in sport whilst meeting their needs whilst going through the menopause.”
