Inspired Women
The Inspired Women project is a project that has been running for some time, and was renewed with new funding to continue our mission. Initially a 9 month project funded by the Scottish Government’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, the project was designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of EWfC service users through a non-traditional approach. Inspired Women is grounded on personal development to reduce stress and improve self-care for women who are marginalised or excluded. “shared learning, friendship, peer support”
The project was designed to improve mental health and wellbeing through a series of activities promoting group engagement, shared learning, friendship, and peer support. The project is a preventative and early intervention measure aimed at improving well-being through tackling loneliness and barriers in group activities that expose participants to a variety of environments, including flora and fauna, and social spaces. The Inspired Women Project aims to provide space for those experiencing poor mental health and encourages them to be engaged in activities that improve their overall wellbeing.2022 Cycle
In 2022, the Inspired Women Project successfully ran a full schedule of activities, with the theme of “Improving Inclusion and Connection”. This included 10 Empowerment Activities.The project also included 10 sewing sessions to build knowledge and skills in sewing and up cycling, 12 cycling sessions to increase physical activity and provide a new way to relax and explore Glasgow. These cycling sessions were run in partnerships with Sunny Cycles. The participating women also volunteered in EWfC projects to build confidence and skills in workshop organisation, food distribution, and voucher services.
Visit to Glasgow Film Theatre
Ceilidh dancing lesson!
Trip to Kelvingrove Museum
Visit to Banksy exhibition at GoMA in Glasgow
Clay workshop to relieve stress
Impact of 2022 Cycle
The Impact of the Inspired Women Project was significant. Some of the main impacting benefits found were enhanced physical activity, relaxation and stress relief, a sense of accomplishment and increased confidence, and an increase in social connection with other in the community. Here’s what some of the participants had to say about their experience:
“I learned to sew new clothes , and met new friends. these activities were really helpful because they helped to improve my mental health and to feel happy”
— Inspired Women Participant
“I have learned a lot of new things, meeting people and talking to them especially that I’m alone here. Each activity made me feel better. Thank you for organising such useful activities. I hope you continue with the sewing classes”
— Inspired Women Participant
“Thank you for creating a fun and motivating atmosphere. I always feel like I get a great workout when I attend any cycling sessions. Thank you for creating a safe and supportive environment for me to improve my cycling skills and fitness. I appreciate the effort you put into planning and leading the session”
— Inspired Women Participant
