PSNI and Mid & East Antrim Council launch campaign to make gyms safer for women and girls

MEA Power to Change - Project partners, including ONUS and PSNI

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has joined forces with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and ONUS Training to roll out a powerful new initiative aimed at tackling violence and harassment against women and girls in gyms and leisure centres.

Part of the wider Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) strategy, the project builds on the success of the Power to Change campaign launched earlier this year—a collaboration between the PSNI, the Department of Justice, and The Executive Office.

The campaign encourages men across Northern Ireland to take responsibility by challenging abusive behaviours, both in themselves and among peers.

The initiative focuses on delivering tailored training to leisure staff across the borough, combining two core programmes: Power to Change, presented by Chief Inspector Chris Tate of the PSNI, and Be the Change, delivered by Lindsay Harris, CEO of ONUS Training.

These sessions aim to equip staff as active bystanders, trained to both challenge abuse and offer meaningful support to victims.

Training gyms to become safe spaces

The programme will help establish gyms and leisure centres as designated Safe Places, continuing the work of ONUS’ widely recognised campaign. Staff will learn to identify and address incidents of harassment and create environments where women and girls can feel confident and protected.

Chief Inspector Chris Tate underlined the importance of the initiative, stating:

“Ending violence against women and girls is a critical priority for the PSNI and this commitment reflects not only a moral and legal obligation, but also recognition of the devastating impact such violence has had and continues to have on individuals, families and local communities.”

He added:

“By taking a firm stand, we will validate our commitment to fairness and accountability, which in turn, will enhance public confidence, particularly among women, who must be able to rely on police to protect and support them.”

Harassment in fitness spaces a growing concern

Lindsay Harris, CEO of ONUS Training, highlighted the widespread nature of harassment in gyms:

“Research would indicate that over half of gym-goers have either experienced or witnessed harassment in gyms… Many more women and girls experience harassment yet don’t report, instead changing or even leaving gyms entirely, missing out on all the benefits for their health and wellbeing.”

She said ONUS is proud to continue its work with the PSNI and the Council to help make these spaces safer for all.

Council leads the way

Council departments are playing a crucial role in driving the initiative forward. Patricia Allen, Head of Public Protection, Health and Wellbeing at MEABC, commented:

“By ensuring our staff are trained to create safe spaces and to challenge inappropriate comments and behaviours, we can make leisure facilities even more welcoming and supportive of women and girls.”

Catherine Black, Acting Head of Community Planning & Development, echoed that sentiment:

“We have further initiatives planned this year to support the achievements of the aims of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls strategy and look forward to further partnership working.”

Next steps

Following the initial interactive training with MEA Borough Council staff, the programme will expand to include gyms, leisure centres, and personal trainers across the region.

This initiative is funded by The Executive Office’s EVAWG Local Change Fund and administered through Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

For more information, visit: www.powertochange.info