New resources to ensure gyms and leisure facilities are safer for all women

This Girl Can, ukactive, CIMSPA and Women’s Aid have teamed up to publish new guidance to help fitness and leisure facilities continue to create safer spaces for women and girls to be active.

An operational handbook, staff e-learning and practical guidance can all be found on the Safer Spaces to Move hub, all backed by data and insights from women and girls.

Gyms and leisure centres have an important role to play in supporting more women and girls to be active, with 11.5 million people over the age of 16 being members of a health and fitness club, according to the UK Health & Fitness Market Report 2025.

The Sport England Active Lives Adult Survey 2023-24 showed that fitness activities are growing in popularity for women and girls aged 16 and over, with 7.6 million having taken part at least twice in the previous 28 days.

As more women turn to fitness, This Girl Can and its partners recognised the need to create environments where all women feel safe, respected and able to take part confidently.

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