This program is based on reducing the prevalence and onset of type 2 diabetes amongst the BME community. This includes running a series of health checks where if someone is identified of potential risks of developing type 2 diabetes in the future, they undertake an 8 week programme with Nur Fitness. This course helps individuals and families to lose weight and promote a healthier lifestyle through exercise and nutritional advice.
Successfully been running since 2012.
Over 400 ladies been have completed the Prevention course so far.
Over 60 women have completed the Managing Diabetes programme so far.
Walk leaders & walking groups set up – 90% visited outdoor nature walks for the first time
Women’s only cycling sessions – 35 women and girls learnt to ride a bike for the first time
Culturally appropriate cooking classes
Charity challenges – raised approx 5k so far from the NLNY ladies
9 Health Champions established
15 Peer Supporters established
Encouraged women into employment – (Ground breaking as this included 4 BME ladies trained as fitness instructors with Nur Fitness).
Several successful focus groups ran around improving mental health within the BME community
Developed short film in Urdu to raise awareness of dementia – over 4k views so far
Training program delivered to key female community leaders to promote dementia services.
A successful partnership developed between Nur Fitness, TEWV & Middlesbrough Community Learning to develop a new program to promote working within the NHS mental health services Led by Nur Fitness – Nur Fitness supported and trained 6 ladies who are now all working on NHS wards. Fantastic achievement.
Developed culturally appropriate bespoke training programmes for specialist providers and service users in tackling mental health within the BME communities.
10 Mental Health courses delivered over the last 2 years to approx. 200 BME females attended – improving mental health and well being, self esteem & confidence
Changed individuals thought process towards mental health, tackled very sensitive cultural issues.
3 ‘Introduction to Social Media’ courses delivered in Urdu & Arabic to 60 women of which 60% had never accessed internet before this program.
2 Employability courses delivered to 40 women bringing them closer to the labour market.
‘Introduction to working in the NHS’ programme– 6 BME ladies are now working within the NHS wards.
Mindsets changed of women learning to be self-compassionate towards themselves
Successful recruitment of 61 participants on to the program – many of which have never accessed any education or work since 16.
2 participants went into employment
3 participants went back to University
25% are now looking into starting their own businesses.
Reduced isolation, built self-esteem and confidence.
Mental health services accessed by participants for the first time due to trust built on this program.
Successful partnership with Learning Curves to develop sewing classes.
Program to help reduce barriers to employment and an introduction to working in the fitness industry.
Successfully recruited 8 female participants from the BME community aged between 16-29 to move closer to employment.
The women were introduced to working in the sports field ranging from teaching to marketing and improving mental health.
3 participants went back to University
3 participants are now volunteering in schools, one of which has gone back into education.
1 Participant moved on to working within the NHS.
Another participant is studying English and is looking to working in the health & beauty field.
Over 100 BME aged over 50 attended a number of activities – tackling and addressing loneliness and isolation.
Gup shup sessions created based on the research to help reduce isolation, promote self esteem and to build a social club style service.
Several initiatives came out from these groups including giving the ladies an opportunity to be able to share their wisdom and knowledge with the new generation
Women set up social enterprise – produced products and then marketed and sold them.
Successful charity event called ‘Spice Event’ raised just over 1k by the older women (supported by the youngsters) to feed the homeless.
Bollywood night was developed to give the elders and opportunity to relive their youth and reminisce with the families.
Cervical Cancer
Nur Fitness ran a successful campaign for Middlesbrough Public Health in helping to raise awareness of cervical cancer and to promote the uptake of cervical screening.
Nur Fitness created a short film for Public Health in Urdu/Mirpuri to tackle the issues which prevent women from accessing early screening – The film reached over 3.5k viewers
Lung Cancer
Nur Fitness arranged a lung cancer awareness raising event for BME women in November 2016.
Over 200 women attended and learnt about the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. Nur Fitness also performed a stage drama in urdu highlighting the issues around lung cancer.
The event also included fitness, food, dances from around the world and information on mental health too.
Breast Cancer
Nur Fitness has created a video to help raise awareness around breast cancer within the BME community – The film reached over 3.5k viewers.
53 ladies engaged on to 2 programs –
80% of the ladies attended the first ever football match at the Riverside stadium
Reduced barriers within the home and created more understanding of football within the home
Also reduced stereotyping and reduced barriers within communities.
Worked in partnership with the Northern Cancer Alliance to raise awareness of cancer within BME communities, with a focus on early detection and prevention.
Co-produced culturally appropriate breast cancer awareness videos in partnership with community organisations to improve understanding and engagement.
Delivered community-led awareness sessions addressing myths, stigma and barriers to accessing.
Successfully engaged young people from BME backgrounds in structured programmes focused on aspiration, confidence and future pathways.
Worked in partnership with Tees Valley Sports to introduce young people to sport as a vocational and career option, including coaching, leadership and employment routes within the sports sector.
Delivered workshops that increased awareness of qualifications, training pathways and local opportunities in sport and physical activity.
Supported young females through culturally appropriate life skills programmes, including sewing and cooking, to build confidence, independence and practical skills.
Created safe, supportive spaces for young people—particularly young females—to develop teamwork, communication and leadership skills.
A strong partnership was established between Nur Fitness and Tees Valley Sports, enabling young people to see sport as a realistic and achievable career pathway. Participants reported increased motivation, confidence and understanding of employment and training opportunities within the sports sector.
The life skills programme for young females strengthened self-esteem and independence, with positive feedback from families who observed improved confidence and engagement at home and in the community. The programme also helped preserve cultural skills while supporting progression into further education, volunteering and employability opportunities.
Together, these youth programmes have contributed to improved aspirations, reduced isolation and stronger community cohesion, laying the foundation for long-term positive outcomes for young people within the BME community.
