EmpowerHER week at Loughborough: inclusive sport and wellbeing for women and non-binary people

Join EmpowerHER at Loughborough for a welcoming week of sport, wellbeing and volunteering around International Women's Day on 8 March

EmpowerHER returns to Loughborough — Year Three

EmpowerHER is back at Loughborough University for its third year, bringing a relaxed week of activities designed for women and non‑binary students and staff. Inspired by International Women’s Day, the programme aims to break down barriers to being active, help people make new connections, and support both mental and physical wellbeing.

Sessions are informal, non‑judgemental and paced so you can try things without pressure while meeting friendly faces and finding practical support.

What to expect

Everything on the timetable is optional and beginner‑friendly. This isn’t about performance — it’s about taking small, achievable steps that add up.

Expect short, adaptable movement classes, calming breath and relaxation workshops, peer circles, and gentle social meetups. Whether you’re testing out a new activity or looking for ongoing community, there’s space to build confidence and find people who’ll cheer you on.

Why this matters

Inclusive programmes like EmpowerHER do more than improve wellbeing for individuals: they make campus life safer and more welcoming for everyone. When participation barriers are reduced, more people feel invited into activities and support networks, which strengthens the whole community. Clear, accessible provision also helps the university meet duty‑of‑care and best‑practice expectations.

Practical tips for organisers and attendees

Organisers
– Design with accessibility in mind: provide clear class descriptions, alternatives and an easy way for people to request adjustments.
– Make reporting routes visible and straightforward.
– Offer concise briefings on safeguarding and data handling where relevant.

Participants
– Come as you are — no prior experience required.
– Try something new, and lean on peer or staff support if you need it.

Give To Gain: volunteering that matters

Alongside EmpowerHER, the #GiveToGain volunteering push encourages staff to use Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV) time to support local charities, transfer skills and deepen community links. When departments free up staff time for volunteering, it creates more opportunities across campus and strengthens local partnerships.

Practicalities for staff volunteers

• – Check eligibility and get manager sign‑off before you sign up.
• Log ESV hours via the University portal to ensure recognition and insurance cover.
• Ask for briefings on safeguarding and data handling for your placement.
• Request a clear role description, supervision details and emergency contacts, and keep a simple record of activities and any personal data you handle.

Keeping things safe — plain and simple

Volunteering brings real benefits but needs sensible safeguards. Hosts and coordinators should do basic checks, provide briefings, limit unnecessary access to personal information and confirm insurance and supervision. In placements involving vulnerable people or sensitive data, loop in HR and Legal. Small practical steps — signed role agreements and mandatory briefings — make a big difference.

Sustaining engagement

Treat volunteering as part of professional development. Where possible, recognise approved ESV hours as learning, collect straightforward outcome data to show impact, and share anonymised case studies to celebrate success. Pair newcomers with experienced volunteers, use simple induction checklists, and review processes regularly to keep things smooth and trusted.

Week highlights — movement, wellbeing and connection

The programme blends gentle physical sessions with wellbeing resources and peer‑led hangouts. It’s deliberately low‑barrier for anyone who’s felt out of place in conventional sports settings. Core aims: boost confidence, show that small, enjoyable activity matters, and signpost people to longer‑term support. Highlights include:
– Low‑barrier movement: short classes with plenty of modifications so everyone can join.
– Wellbeing workshops: practical tips on stress, sleep and self‑care that you can actually use.
– Social connection: small groups for conversation, peer support and informal networking.

Flagship sessions to watch

• – Run with HERA: a relaxed walk/run where the group sets the pace — no experience necessary.
• InspireHER: a drop‑in showcase with short demos, wellbeing stalls and chances to meet athletes and staff.
• Girls Night In: a quieter evening for creativity, chats and emotional wellbeing.

InspireHER — drop in and explore

InspireHER is all about choice. Pop in for demos, Q&As with staff and athletes, or talk to peer volunteers for signposting. Quiet zones are available for anyone who needs a lower‑stimulation space. Tip: arrive early for limited‑capacity demonstrations and check stall times on arrival.

Data and consent — simple guidance for organisers

Everything on the timetable is optional and beginner‑friendly. This isn’t about performance — it’s about taking small, achievable steps that add up. Expect short, adaptable movement classes, calming breath and relaxation workshops, peer circles, and gentle social meetups. Whether you’re testing out a new activity or looking for ongoing community, there’s space to build confidence and find people who’ll cheer you on.0

What’s on offer

Everything on the timetable is optional and beginner‑friendly. This isn’t about performance — it’s about taking small, achievable steps that add up. Expect short, adaptable movement classes, calming breath and relaxation workshops, peer circles, and gentle social meetups. Whether you’re testing out a new activity or looking for ongoing community, there’s space to build confidence and find people who’ll cheer you on.1

Volunteering, mentoring and roles

Everything on the timetable is optional and beginner‑friendly. This isn’t about performance — it’s about taking small, achievable steps that add up. Expect short, adaptable movement classes, calming breath and relaxation workshops, peer circles, and gentle social meetups. Whether you’re testing out a new activity or looking for ongoing community, there’s space to build confidence and find people who’ll cheer you on.2

Risk management, without the jargon

Everything on the timetable is optional and beginner‑friendly. This isn’t about performance — it’s about taking small, achievable steps that add up. Expect short, adaptable movement classes, calming breath and relaxation workshops, peer circles, and gentle social meetups. Whether you’re testing out a new activity or looking for ongoing community, there’s space to build confidence and find people who’ll cheer you on.3

Who’s running this

Everything on the timetable is optional and beginner‑friendly. This isn’t about performance — it’s about taking small, achievable steps that add up. Expect short, adaptable movement classes, calming breath and relaxation workshops, peer circles, and gentle social meetups. Whether you’re testing out a new activity or looking for ongoing community, there’s space to build confidence and find people who’ll cheer you on.4

Suggested community partners

Everything on the timetable is optional and beginner‑friendly. This isn’t about performance — it’s about taking small, achievable steps that add up. Expect short, adaptable movement classes, calming breath and relaxation workshops, peer circles, and gentle social meetups. Whether you’re testing out a new activity or looking for ongoing community, there’s space to build confidence and find people who’ll cheer you on.5

How to join

Everything on the timetable is optional and beginner‑friendly. This isn’t about performance — it’s about taking small, achievable steps that add up. Expect short, adaptable movement classes, calming breath and relaxation workshops, peer circles, and gentle social meetups. Whether you’re testing out a new activity or looking for ongoing community, there’s space to build confidence and find people who’ll cheer you on.6

Quick checklist for participants and volunteers

• – Read event descriptions for times, eligibility and any training.
• Book through official channels and register any volunteering hours.
• Request adjustments if needed and note emergency contacts on arrival.
• Report concerns promptly to event coordinators.

Questions or need more detail?

Everything on the timetable is optional and beginner‑friendly. This isn’t about performance — it’s about taking small, achievable steps that add up. Expect short, adaptable movement classes, calming breath and relaxation workshops, peer circles, and gentle social meetups. Whether you’re testing out a new activity or looking for ongoing community, there’s space to build confidence and find people who’ll cheer you on.7