There’s no such word as can’t – that’s what my mother always said. So, what better way to celebrate International Women’s Day (with a nod towards Mother’s Day on Sunday 14 March) than by thinking about the This Girl Can…Create Change! resources from Sport England.

What a 12 months it has been since you first received the resources through the post. We could never have imagined the havoc that 2020 would wreak. Now more than ever it is vital for us to think about what we can do to ensure that our mental and physical wellbeing is being looked after and to help the young people around us to do the same. Now more than ever we need to think about restoring the things that have been lost in lockdown – connection, belonging and face to face human contact.

The name of the campaign now seems more apt than it was ever imagined. We have been through a huge amount of upheaval and are perhaps now clearer about what our priorities are and what we need to change to ensure we reach them.

Many schools have told us about some excellent work they have been doing despite the difficult circumstances of virtual learning and lockdown. For example, the Richard Rose Central Academy in Carlisle who during October organised events for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This included delivering activities to raise money and awareness but also things which supported the local cancer unit, such as making donation bags and writing letters to patients. Each committee member had different responsibilities which allowed them to develop skills that can now be applied in other situations.  

This was a great example of thinking outside the box about what can happen in difficult circumstances rather than dwelling on what can’t. 

Some schools are busy organising local festivals to showcase their This Girl Can work and others planning outreach to local primaries.

As we move towards the light at the end of the tunnel, there’s a lot to be thankful for but still a long way to go if we are to see girls enjoying the same level of participation in physical activity as their male counterparts. The This Girl Can…Create Change! resources can empower girls to see the possibilities rather than the barriers.

What will you do? Let us know how you are getting on by completing this survey and win some pin badges for your girls. Find out more about This Girl Can here.