AN INITIATIVE aimed at encouraging Eastleigh women to get physically active is to be launched today.

Women across the borough are to have the chance to try several free classes before choosing the one they prefer and enrolling in beginner activity courses.

Participants will have the chance to claim six vouchers and enjoy a variety of free taster sessions including weightlifting, street dance, tennis and squash held at different venues across the borough from April.

The scheme called This Girl Can Eastleigh has been launched by Eastleigh Borough Council.

Cllr Tonia Craig, cabinet member for health and community safety, said: “As well as the health benefits associated with taking part in exercise there is also a social side. For many women this can help build confidence and generally improve their mental and physical wellbeing. This Girl Can Eastleigh is about empowering women, giving them the opportunity to take control.”

Participants will also be supported by This Girl Can Eastleigh Champions, a group of women who thanks to similar projects run by the council in the past have changed their lives through exercise.To get take part visit www.eastleigh.gov.uk/thisgirlcan.