New women’s health campaign launches in Bolton

By Bolton Council | 07 June 2024 | TAGS: Bolton, Women and girls

A new women’s health campaign focused on building a safe, friendly, online community is tackling inequalities and helping women move more in Bolton.

She Moves Bolton is a collaborative campaign from Bolton Council, Bolton GP Federation, Her Spirit and Bolton Wanderers in the Community.

In just a few short weeks, 500 women in the borough have registered for one of the 12,000 free Premium memberships (usually £79.99) on the Her Spirit app.

Her Spirit is a free community movement app; an inclusive, supportive space for beginners who want to start being active with live classes, community challenges, and virtual events.

The app is designed to be a one-stop shop for inspiration, information, and accountability with everything from yoga and pilates, to strength-based training for all levels.

Bolton Council and Bolton GP Federation co-fund 50% of the free memberships with Her Spirit gifting the remainder to support more women get fitter, stronger, and healthier.

In a bid to tackle health inequalities, Her Spirit has removed the need for a credit card to join and, separately, seen 75% of users increase their minutes of weekly activity.

How did the campaign start?

Bolton’s Director of Adult Services, Communities & Integration, Rachel Tanner, began using the Her Spirit app in a personal capacity.

And, enjoying the safety of the female-only online community, began working with colleagues in the borough to widen access and tackle health inequalities.

A small passionate team have since been listening, learning, and building trust to the point where they were able to launch She Moves Bolton during May’s National Walking Month.

Where next?

Through Bolton GP Federation and the public health team at Bolton Council, the campaign continues to be needs-led using quantitative and qualitative data.

It’s hoped local health priorities around cardiovascular disease and diabetes can also be addressed through Primary Care Networks, social prescribers, and MSK practitioners.

Rachel Tanner, Bolton Council’s Director of Adult Services, Communities & Integration, said:

“I really benefited from using the Her Spirit app and was determined to spread the joy of moving more to more women in Bolton.

“It’s been great building a trusting and collaborative relationship with Her Spirit as well as lots of colleagues in Bolton, particularly the Bolton GP Federation.

“We’re really optimistic that this can, alongside lots of other ongoing work across the borough, make a real difference to women’s health in our area.”

Dawn Lythgoe, Bolton GP Federation’s Head of Performance, Programmes & Communication, said:

“Health professionals are in a unique position to take a holistic view of women’s lifestyles and support them to improve their health and wellbeing.

“Her Spirit is a fantastic tool to support this, particularly with its focus on moving more regularly which has so many mental and physical benefits.”

Mel Berry and Holly Woodford, co-founders at Her Spirit, said:

“It’s been a delight working with Bolton to educate, inspire, and guide women throughout the borough towards a more active and healthy life.

“A digital app allows us to combat many barriers to activity for women and build a fantastic, inclusive, and supportive community.”

 To find out more about She Moves Bolton, contact [email protected]