Eloise Moller, our Head of Sport & Health, was named This Girl Can Grassroots Sportswoman of the Year last night at a glitzy award ceremony in London after topping the public vote.
The Sunday Times This Girl Can Award celebrates women organising grassroots sports and activities. Eloise won the award for her incredible work on our Sport Project, which improves the lives of Londoners experiencing homelessness through sport and physical activity.
Speaking after her win, Eloise thanked everyone who had contributed to the project’s incredible success.
“It’s amazing recognition for all our clients who participate in the Sport Project and our dedicated Sport Team who run all the sessions on the ground.
“Our clients gain so much from the sessions. It’s not just about the sport or a way to improve their health. The sessions bring a social element to their lives, an escape from everyday stresses, and help them build positive relationships with other Londoners.
“By taking part, our clients see benefits in all areas of their lives, engaging more with their key workers, growing their skills, looking after their wellbeing, and getting back into employment or education.
“This award is for everyone who takes part and uses sport to improve their lives and turn their circumstances around.”
The Sport Project
Eloise has spent the last five years developing our Sport Project from scratch, improving our clients’ access to and engagement in physical activity.
People facing homelessness have historically had little engagement in physical activity due to multiple barriers when accessing sports. These include financial constraints, digital exclusion, no access to clothing and equipment, low self-esteem and confidence, stigma, and assumptions about their interest in or ability to access sport.
The team has established in-house gyms at our services and provides a range of accessible sessions, from aerobics and yoga sessions to bicycle maintenance to boxing.
By ensuring access to physical activity, we debunked the myth that people experiencing homelessness lack interest in sports, the ability to participate, or concern for their health. This has helped dramatically improve people’s physical and mental health, social relationships, and overall quality of life.
Work with women
Over the last year, Eloise has introduced a women-specific area of the project, ensuring that the benefits of physical activity can reach everyone, no matter their gender.
By introducing women-only sessions in safe spaces with trauma-informed female instructors, we have seen an 86% increase in female participants in the project.
Jo Sayer, Sport England’s Strategic Lead for Communications, said it was a pleasure to see Eloise honoured at the awards ceremony.
“Eloise has helped scores of people experiencing homelessness to get involved with sport, allowing them to feel a sense of normality while meeting new people and having fun.
“The sport sessions have also been a gateway to conversations about health and have opened up opportunities for life-enhancing wraparound care to be provided.”
Find out more about our Sport Project here.
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