In honour of International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting the importance of women-only spaces for all women (including trans women, trans women, and those who identify themselves as female or non-binary) and the ways in which they create a safe community.
We provide a variety of spaces for women of all ages, including football for girls ages 8-13 years old, Yoga and Mindfulness for Women, and our new Women’s Drop-in session.
“It’s important for girls to play football because it helps them exercise,” said one of our girl’s football attendees. “It can help with fitness, and it’s good to make friends with other people, as well as [those] outside your school group.”
The onset of puberty brings about many bodily changes that affect all young adolescents, but research has shown that self-esteem issues predominantly affect girls more than boys. Nurturing self-esteem and positive self-image in young girls during the early years of adolescence has been found to affect mental and physical health positively.
Our Activ8 girl’s football sessions encourage this idea of positive physical activity and confidence. Qualified coaches from Camden & Islington United run the sessions, which teach football skills in a fun, safe and inclusive environment. Sessions are held every Tuesday between 4:30 – 6 pm on the Castlehaven Sports Pitch and are open to girls aged 8-13 years old of all abilities.
“I play for fun; I play because it’s free and because I love football,” another Activ8 girl’s football attendee said.
According to the Rights of Women website, research has shown that women-only spaces offer both a physically and emotionally secure space for women to access support and community they may not otherwise find elsewhere.
At Castlehaven, our Health Haven programme runs free Yoga & Mindfulness sessions for Women every Thursday from 12 – 1 pm, guided by qualified yoga instructor Jo Katz.
“In these safe and welcoming sessions, we focus on regulating our nervous systems, calming our busy minds and gently moving our bodies. I feel lucky to get to know these wonderful women and practice yoga together,” said Jo.
Recently, we also started a women’s drop-in session on Tuesdays from 12:00 – 2:00 pm, where attendees may warm up with a bowl of soup or cup of tea with access to WIFI, games and company.
“I joined Castlehaven in July, and it’s been like a home for me. I’ve met some lovely people, and the staff are really wonderful, kind, [and] helpful,” said Helen Willaims during a women-only session. “I found it a really friendly environment to come to, especially after COVID When things dried up a bit, and I wasn’t getting out so much. I do a couple of things. I did Tai Chi, the walking group, and now the women’s club. So it’s great for meeting people, and the activities are fantastic.”
According to AgeUK research, the COVID-19 pandemic had several effects on older adults’ physical and mental well-being due to isolation and limited mobility or outside activities. Offering these spaces for community and social interaction provides mental health benefits and enjoyable physical exercise.
“The food is excellent, and people are obviously very happy about having an extra bowl of soup and a little bit of warmth, tea and a chat,” said Alicja Skowronska attending the Women-Only session. “It does help with physical and mental health. Physical activity is beneficial for obviously [a person’s] health and for general well-being.”
“People are very nice and helpful and friendly, so we can all feel welcome,” said Skowronska. “Everyone feels very comfortable around here.”