Breaking down barriers for refugee and asylum-seeking women

Women seeking refuge and asylum can face a range of barriers to being physically active, including caring responsibilities, language barriers, cost, cultural expectations and a lack of access to women-only opportunities.

Over the past year, St Augustine's Centre in Halifax has worked to address some of these barriers by developing and delivering a range of women-only activities. These included fitness sessions, walks, visits to Hardcastle Crags with the National Trust, and rock climbing sessions delivered in partnership with ROKT Climbing Gym in Brighouse.

The approach was shaped by feedback from women accessing the centre, who consistently highlighted the importance of having safe, women-only spaces where they felt comfortable taking part in physical activity.

One participant, Besara Vishaj, played a key role in developing the offer. After experiencing the benefits of regular exercise herself, she approached St Augustine's with the idea of creating a weekly women-only fitness session.

"I found exercise to be an important tool for improving my mental health and helping me release negative energy. I thought that if I was experiencing these benefits, then other women could too."

The sessions required very little equipment and were led using freely available online resources, demonstrating that opportunities to be active do not need to be expensive or complicated.

Peer-to-peer conversations helped encourage women to take part, with Besara drawing on her own experience of seeking sanctuary in the UK to engage others.

"It was important to hold a women-only session so that everyone felt comfortable taking part. There are lots of different cultures, so it is important that we respect those cultures and ensure people feel safe and dignified."

In total, 18 women took part in at least one fitness session. Participants reported benefits including reduced stress, improved mental wellbeing and greater social connection.

"I have enjoyed these sessions and I feel less stressed. I am lucky to find support and activities that are helping me manage my stress and improve my mental health."

Fitness session participant

The project highlights the value of listening to communities and designing opportunities around their needs. By removing barriers and creating welcoming environments, organisations can help more women experience the physical, mental and social benefits of being active.

At Active Calderdale, we're committed to working with partners to ensure everyone has the opportunity to move more, regardless of their background or circumstances. Stories like this demonstrate how community-led approaches can help make physical activity more accessible, inclusive and meaningful for the people who need it most.

If you would like to know more about the women-only sessions at St Augustine's or if you can help the centre members stay active, please contact Adrian Bell at adrian.Bell@staugustinescentrehalifax.org.uk.