A new project on South Tyneside will provide direct support for women – with the aim of empowering them to improve their health and wellbeing through the power of physical activity. 

The Women’s Wellbeing Project is a partnership between leading health and wellbeing charity Rise, voluntary organisation Women’s Health in South Tyneside (WHiST) and South Tyneside Council.  

Charlotte O’Keefe has joined Rise as the key worker and will provide a holistic one-to-one support for women to improve their health and wellbeing through a range of activities and support. The aim is to improve physical and mental wellbeing so women can start to contemplate employment. 

Charlotte said: “This is a great way for women to get one to one support, in a safe, women-only space to help them to improve their wellbeing, confidence or skills.  

“I can help with accessing practical support with benefits or housing, help women to find the support that they need to improve their health or find activities that help improve wellbeing or skills.  What they want to work on and how is entirely up to them - but I’ll be with them every step of the way.” 

Jade Scott, strategic lead for place at Rise, said: “Rise is passionate about how physical activity can transform lives in the communities that need it most. It’s a proven fact that physically inactive populations are often also the most marginalised – and most likely to be adversely affected by health, social and economic inequalities. 

“And we know that, especially since the pandemic, women’s activity levels are more likely to be affected by caring responsibilities, as well as long-term health conditions, which impact on women’s confidence and self-esteem. 

“We look forward to working with organisations and communities in South Tyneside, to further understand the issues and barriers facing people being more active, and working together to provide a localised support service, helping to improve women’s lives across the borough.” 

Asia Uddin from WHiST said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with Rise. WHiST will deliver a variety of free activities for women looking to improve their health and wellbeing. We will deliver childcare alongside the activities to remove barriers for women wanting to take part.” 

The Women's Wellbeing Project has been supported by South Tyneside Council and has received funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.