It’s a new year, with exciting programmes ahead, including our Get Out, Get Active (GOGA) campaign. For our first ‘chat with’ of the year, we caught up with our newly appointed GOGA Activator, Cheryl Ferrigan, to find out more about the initiative.
Welcome to the team Cheryl, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
“I’m LCR Pride Foundation’s new GOGA programme activator, but I have a background in Performing arts, working as a drama tutor for a number of years at various centres in the city, including City of Liverpool College , LIPA 4-19 Academy and The Stage Academy.
“As part of the team at Ariel Trust charity, I developed and wrote the scripts for their online educational resources, Cybersense, Safe Skills while coordinating their lottery-funded mental health programme. I’m also the co-founder of GoldieMack Management, a talent agency representing young people in theatre, TV and film. On top of all that, I am a Mum to two beautiful, noisy children and a dog. We are a busy household who like to get outdoors and stay active!”
What is the GOGA programme?
“GOGA is a national programme that aims to get people from all walks of life active in physical activity or sport. The programme is split into projects working with particular communities and the element that we are delivering, in partnership with Liverpool City Council, is working with the LGBT+ community across Liverpool to remove the barriers they face to being active.”
Why do you think this programme is important?
“Programmes like this have always been important in reaching people that feel marginalised, but now more than ever. Lockdown affected people in many different ways but isolation was and still is a concern. Segregation was something we had to get used to during COVID but now we have to get back out into the community, build confidence and be inclusive.”
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing access to sport/activity and the LGBT+ community?
“People’s perception of what sport /activity is. We need to show people that being active can be a daily routine and being involved in sport doesn’t have to be about being competitive or exhausting yourself. Finances, feeling safe in a space and lack of confidence are all barriers that some individuals face when trying to become more active. Our community is diverse, therefore the activities we offer should be diverse.”
What impact do you want the programme to have and why?
“I would like the programme to empower people to get out more, socialise and feel like they belong to an inclusive community. I also hope the programme, gives people working in the sport/ fitness industry the training to open up their existing networks and become more accessible to the LGBT+ community.”
What are you most looking forward to about the role?
“I’m looking forward to working with the team, planning future events, working with existing sports clubs, creating new opportunities and being part of the National GOGA team. I’m excited to continue my professional development while helping others.”
What’s happening with the programme now? How can people find out more and get involved?
Right now we’re encouraging anyone who would like to be more active to get in touch through our LGBT+ Activity Survey. There is even the chance to win freebies and funded activity sessions – this can be completed here.
For the clubs, facilities and professionals already working with the community, or wanting to reach more LGBT+ clients we’re offering free ‘You’re Safe Here’ Safe Spaces Training to help them understand our community more – to find out more and book on email goga@lcrpride.co.uk
We’ll also be releasing opportunities to try new sports and activities in the coming months – including funding for groups to host events, a buddy scheme and funded personal sessions.
Thanks Cheryl, it all sounds very exciting and we’ll be following the programme throughout the year!
Stay tuned to the LCR Pride Foundation website and social channels for more GOGA updates!
