Cripplegate Ltd is the registered trustee of Cripplegate Foundation
Registered Charity 207499 Cripplegate Foundation Limited
Registered in England and Wales, Company Number 6129936 © 2021 Cripplegate Foundation
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At Islington Giving, we support local initiatives that spark joy, foster community connection and make a lasting impact. One such initiative is She Can Empower, a previous Make it Happen grantee and current Islington Council Community Chest funded that harnesses the power of pole fitness to enhance confidence, physical health, and emotional resilience among women in Islington.
Pole dancing is an increasingly popular workout is a game-changer, combining strength training, cardio, and flexibility. Recognised as a sport by the Global Association of International Sports Federation (GAISF) in 2017 and popularised by celebs and social media alike it’s an incredible way to boost both physical and mental health.
She Can Empower offers beginner-friendly classes designed to help people build confidence and strength in a supportive environment. Sessions include warm-ups, skills and tricks, routines, and well-deserved cooldowns, ensuring a comprehensive workout every time. For many She Can Empower members, pole dancing represents a journey toward emotional resilience and personal growth.
“Ahead of the course, I’d been informed about the amount of skill, strength, and training involved in pole fitness. What I didn’t realise is the incredible boost the exercise would have on my mental health, emotional well-being, and self-confidence. In a time when I was gripped with post-heartache melancholia and really struggling with my self-worth, pole helped me reconnect to myself in a warm, encouraging, and supportive environment.”
“Mentally it takes a lot of focus – it requires you to be present in the room, so can be a great way of switching off and forgetting about everything for an hour.”
“I’d been reminded that there’s nothing wrong with failing – that it’s an essential part of learning, growing, and developing in all parts of our lives.”
By my final session, I’d developed a serious respect for the strength and athleticism of pole dancers, not to mention the multi-faceted benefits of the sport (it’s without doubt one of the best full body workouts I’ve ever tried).”
Fayola Timberlake who runs She Can Empower agrees on the mental health front, adding:
“Pole fitness empowers women by boosting their confidence through its focused and disciplined technique. It builds your physical, emotional, and psychological wellness and wellbeing, while also providing a nourishing and enriching experience that promises to make you feel comfortable in your own skin.”
“The funding has been transformative for our project, enabling us to empower women from diverse backgrounds, and all shapes, sizes and abilities through inclusive beginner’s pole dance courses. It has not only increased participation but it has also created a strong sense of community and connection among our participants, ultimately changing lives for the better. We can’t thank Islington Council and Cripplegate Foundation enough for their support.”
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to advance your skills, the program welcomes you to explore the multifaceted benefits of pole fitness.
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Cripplegate Ltd is the registered trustee of Cripplegate Foundation
Registered Charity 207499 Cripplegate Foundation Limited
Registered in England and Wales, Company Number 6129936 © 2021 Cripplegate Foundation
Cripplegate Ltd is the registered trustee of Cripplegate Foundation
Registered Charity 207499 Cripplegate Foundation Limited
Registered in England and Wales, Company Number 6129936 © 2023 Cripplegate Foundation