A social enterprise and a fitness group have united to launch a campaign to help women in marginalised areas.
The Larder, a Preston-based social enterprise, and Tribe Fitness, a fitness training group, have joined forces to launch the Kingsfold Fitness Champions initiative.
This project aims to help women in marginalised communities become qualified fitness instructors.
To achieve this, the initiative has aimed to raise £33,000 by January 6.
The funds will be used to train 10 women to become fitness instructors, who will then offer fitness services to other women in the local community.
Lancashire County Council has promised an additional £11,400 if the fundraising target is reached.
Kay Johnson MBE, founder of The Larder, said: "This project is about so much more than fitness.
"It’s about empowering women to take control of their wellbeing, while giving them tools to find employment and make a real difference in their own community."
At present, Kingsfold has no sporting facilities for women.
The Larder hopes that by providing access to fitness training, health outcomes will improve, and community connections will be fostered.
Lyn Clement, founder of Tribe Fitness and a former mental agility coach for GB Olympic athletes, said: "We know that women living in deprived communities are 50 per cent more likely to be physically inactive than average, but there are no sporting facilities for women in Kingsfold.
"By offering affordable access to local fitness classes, we will be able to reduce social isolation, improve health outcomes, and create meaningful employment opportunities for women in this community."
Community members and local businesses are urged to support the initiative.
Every donation will contribute towards training fitness champions and improving the lives of women in the Kingsfold community.
Kelly Dytham, a family support worker at Penwortham Broad Oak Primary School, said: "I feel it is a fabulous opportunity for women wanting to get into work, to build their confidence, self-esteem and potentially have a career in health and fitness.
"It will support them in overcoming barriers, allow them to break away from 'just being a mum' and have something for themselves that they can go on and use to empower others and become positive role models within the community."
To find out more about the campaign and how to get involved, visit the Kingsfold Fitness Champions crowdfunding page.
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