Active Cheshire and Partners Commit to Advancing Opportunities for Women & Girls in Sport

We are thrilled to announce that last week Active Cheshire joined ten key partners in officially signing the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration, reinforcing their shared commitment to creating greater equality for women and girls in sport and physical activity. 

Lisa O'Keefe MBE joined Active Cheshire and ten key partners in officially signing the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration

Active Cheshire’s mission is to embed physical activity into everyday life by 2040, ensuring everyone in the region feels the benefits of staying active. IWG Women & Sport proudly supports their work, recognising the impact of creating inclusive opportunities that help women and girls thrive through sport and physical activity. As a multi-award-winning charity, Active Cheshire works across communities to break down barriers, particularly for historically under-represented groups, ensuring equitable access to physical activity. 

It’s great to have them onboard. As a Sport England Systems Partner (2022–2027), Active Cheshire leads the creation of a Physical Activity System uniting public, private, and voluntary sectors. This approach aligns with Sport England’s Uniting the Movement Strategy, positioning Active Cheshire as a strategic connector in efforts to reduce health inequalities and embed physical activity into daily life for all. 

The Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration,

Signing the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration represents a tangible step in advancing gender equity in sport and physical activity across Cheshire, with Active Cheshire and its partners committed to fostering inclusive, long-term opportunities for women and girls. 

The signatory partners, which include Brio, Cheshire East Council, Climbing Hut, Everybody Health & Leisure, LiveWire & Warrington Borough Council, Mind Body Balance, The Queen's School, The Wishing Well & Warrington Wolves Community Foundation have each completed a bespoke diagnostic evaluation. This process has informed tailored action plans, demonstrating their dedication to the ten principles of the Declaration’s framework. 

Lisa O’Keefe MBE, Secretary General of IWG Women & Sport, said: "We’re thrilled to welcome Active Cheshire as a signatory to the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration. Their commitment to supporting women and girls to be active and thrive through sport and physical activity is exemplary. Across Cheshire, they are creating meaningful opportunities for participation and leadership, and we look forward to sharing their progress and impact."