HerMove campaign gains momentum in empowering women and girls to get active

A community‑driven campaign, HerMove, is gaining traction across Mid Sussex as it works to empower women and girls of all ages to take part in sport, physical activity and wellbeing opportunities.

Launched in July 2025, HerMove was created in response to ongoing barriers that prevent many women and girls from getting active, including confidence, cost, stereotypes, safety concerns, and limited access to female‑friendly opportunities. 

The campaign aims to increase visibility of local activities, highlight positive role models, and build confidence through inclusive, community‑led events.

The idea was sparked by Mayor John Belsey, who wanted to use his mayoral year to champion female participation after seeing his niece struggle to access a girls’ football club. 

Working alongside health and wellbeing coach Alyson Bowcott, the campaign quickly grew, supported by a small volunteer team and gaining advocacy from high‑profile figures including MP Mims Davies, Sally Gunnell OBE, Dame Kelly Holmes, and Dr Stephanie Cook MBE.

Events and community engagement

HerMove has delivered several successful events, helping to raise awareness and bring local opportunities together in one place. 

The flagship HerMove Live 2025 event (pictured above) at East Grinstead Sports Club in September brought together 12 different sports and activities, offering taster sessions for participants who were aged eight to 88. 

The event drew strong support from national sporting figures and local partners, helping to build momentum and community interest.

Other events have included the Mayor’s U15 Girls’ Football Match, a Rugby Fest partnership, a Women’s Fun Run, and HerMove: Let’s Dance, which took place in March.

Upcoming events include a Community Business Forum collaboration with East Grinstead Business Association in June, HerMove Live 2026 in September, and the second Mayor’s U15 Girls’ Football Match in October.

Connecting local work to the wider picture

HerMove aligns with national efforts to improve access and visibility for women and girls in sport, building on the success of campaigns such as Women in Sport’s #TimeTogether and the increased profile of female athletes.

HerMove’s aims also closely align with ongoing work across Sussex to reduce inequalities in activity levels and improve access for women and girls. 

Alyson said: “The idea for Hermove came from seeing what’s already happening locally and wanting to raise awareness of it, and was inspired by the Mayor’s commitment to promoting this cause. 

“It’s so important that women and girls feel encouraged to be active, and through building partnerships with Active Sussex, Women in Sport, plus individuals and groups locally, we have been able to promote what’s available, inspire new projects such as HerMove Live and the Time Together Fun run and share stories that make a real difference within the community.”

As part of this shared focus, Alyson recently invited Gemma Finlay‑Gray (pictured below) from Active Sussex onto her radio show, Your Health Matters, to discuss the barriers women and girls face and the work happening locally to address them.

Gemma, who is the Strategic Relationship Manager for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, said: “It was a fantastic opportunity to speak on ‘Your Health Matters’, a radio show that lives up to its mission of bringing real, usable health news to the community. 

“We talked about supporting the national This Girl Can (TGC) campaign and fostering a dedicated Sussex network to create a collaborative space to learn about specific topics and share ideas; actively breaking down the stubborn barriers that often prevent women and girls from participating.

“Seeing this mission mirrored so perfectly in East Grinstead’s HerMove campaign is fantastic. 

“Their dedication to helping women and girls reclaim their right to movement aligns with our goals. 

“Whether through local community sports or wider regional initiatives, when we align efforts, we can do more than just encourage physical activity – we build a culture of confidence, health, and belonging that resonates far beyond the playing field or gym.” 

You can listen back to the episode here: https://www.mixcloud.com/MeridianFM/your-health-matters-07th-apr-2026/