Women empowered through wellness at community-led event

The free invite-only event, held at the Uplift community centre in Small Heath, welcomed over 50 ladies from across the local community for a day filled with inspiration, connection, and self-care.

The jam-packed day featured a wide range of wellness activities, including mindful colouring, an affirmation station, hand massages, and hairdressing services. Attendees also benefitted from a series of expert talks by organisations such as Diabetes UK and Breast Cancer UK, alongside an open panel session offering a chance to share their experiences and ask questions in a safe, supportive space.

The event was led by Selina, a local fitness coach of Pakistani heritage, who designed the programme to reflect and celebrate the unique cultural and personal experiences of the diverse women in the area – many of whom come from Sudanese, Somali, Yemeni, African and Pakistani backgrounds.

“This was about more than just wellness,” said Selina. “It was about reaching women who often feel isolated - whether due to age, language, or cultural barriers - and creating a space where they felt seen, heard, and connected with others.”

Selina added: “It really was a fantastic day. Many of the women commented that they left feeling strong, inspired, re-energised, and empowered.”

This event builds on the continued success of Inspiring Fitness in the Community’s women-only exercise sessions, currently running in some of the Birmingham’s most deprived areas, including Small Heath, Alum Rock, and Ward End - places where access to fitness is often restricted by cost, culture, or confidence.

Designed specifically for women aged 45 to 85, the weekly classes are backed by Cadent and Birmingham City Council. They combine low-impact movement with open, culturally sensitive conversations around health, menopause, and wellbeing.

Commenting on the event’s success, Marcus McDonald, Director of Inspiring Fitness in the Community, said: “We’re incredibly proud of what Selina and the team achieved with this event. It’s a powerful example of how community-led initiatives can break down barriers and provide meaningful support that truly resonates with local women. Our mission has always been to make fitness and wellbeing accessible, inclusive, and relevant - and this event is a shining reflection of that. We’re excited to build on this momentum and reach even more communities in the months ahead.”

Phil Burrows, Head of Customer Vulnerability Social Programme Delivery at Cadent, said: “We’re proud to support initiatives like this that make a real, lasting impact at the heart of our communities. Empowering women to take control of their health and wellbeing - especially in areas where access to services can be limited - is exactly the kind of work we want to champion.”

Founded in July 2024, Inspiring Fitness in the Community is a transformative initiative dedicated to improving health and wellbeing in underserved communities across the UK.

The programme was established by Birmingham-based personal trainer Marcus McDonald, who, after more than two decades in the fitness industry, recognised the need for accessible and inclusive fitness opportunities for all.

Grounded in the belief that health and wellbeing should be a right, not a privilege, the initiative offers free, local sessions for diverse groups - regardless of age, ability, or income. This includes Deaf-friendly classes, chair-based exercises for older adults, adapted sessions for children, youth and those with physical or mental disabilities, as well as dedicated women-only and men-only groups.

Inspiring Fitness in the Community delivers free Community Exercise and Wellbeing Sessions across the UK in partnership with Cadent’s Centre’s for Warmth programme, as well as Warm Welcome Spaces throughout Birmingham.

For further information please visit instagram.com/inspiringfitnesscommunity_/