Active Sisters Bristol

Active Sisters Bristol was commissioned by Bristol City Council and our Active Lives Health Integration Team (HIT) as a community engagement and test-and-learn project exploring how physical activity opportunities could be improved for Muslim women and girls in Bristol.

The project was delivered by the regional Health Ambassador programme through a three-stage approach of Listen, Learn and Act. This was designed to understand community experiences, identify barriers and test practical solutions that could support participation in physical activity.

Overall, the project demonstrates that Muslim women and girls in Bristol are interested in being physically active and are willing to participate when opportunities are accessible, culturally responsive and community-led.

The findings suggest that:

1. further research is required
2. future investment should focus not only on activities themselves, but also on community capacity, coordination, leadership development and sustainable partnerships that can support long-term participation, promote access, health and wellbeing, and help reduce health inequalities.