The first Stay Late and Thrive event took place in the Anniesland campus this month (November).
The aim was to bring together women from all over the college to have fun, meet new people, get out of the house and off the phones and take part in a variety of different activities – some more active than others.
The session was organised by the college’s Active Campus Coordinator, Natalie Dott and the student association.
And those attending were able to take yoga, spin and step classes as well as create some jewellery pieces.
The event was open to any woman: students, staff, previous learners and those from the nearby community.
Natalie, who is also a former student of the college said:
“I want to get the people to come here who feel like they don’t have a place in these environments. I want to give people a voice, such as those in minority communities, or the LGBTQ+ community or any females that are drastically left out.”
And you could see that at the event with a broad range of people mentioned and advocated for.
The idea was originally pitched to Natalie from Verity O’Neill, the Vice President of the Student Association. Verity previously studied a HNC in Physical Education and used to run and work at the gym. She had seen Strathclyde University run something similar. Verity added: “It can feel as if gyms are male dominated (to woman).”
‘Stay Late and Thrive’ was coined thanks to the support from the mental health team, led by Alison Cox. Her research shows that not being physical or not being active can have an impact on people’s wellbeing. It was vital to see support from mental health around this area, to understand more about why being active is essential.
One of the students who attended called Sabrah wanted to join in to get more active: “I am glad I was involved, and would get involved again.”
Another student said: “Spin was my favourite, but the Steps was very hard. I would come to the event again and would definitely like to do more.”
Wendy Rankin, ESOL teacher added: “I am trying to improve my own fitness and wellbeing, so I wanted to go and support the cause, to especially encourage students. It would be great to see a variety of events like these.”
She remarked on how great it was to see staff and students working together and felt the session can be a great starting point for any woman.
It’s hoped that further sessions will be rolled out in the new year at the other two campuses.
I did get involved myself, which was fabulous, and can say that the passion and drive from the woman involved was incredible to see. I would encourage any woman to get involved.
