empowering women to get active
All-female, non-competitive community sports club for women of all ages and abilities
Tackling gender imbalance in sports participation and bringing life-changing improvements to the physical and mental health of women
Charity registration number 1189672
girls ALIVE is an all-female, non-competitive community sports club providing activities for women of all ages and abilities.
The girls ALIVE mission is simply to 'get women active' so whether you fancy running, hiking, swimming, road cycling, or mountain biking there is always beginner or entry-level sessions on offer for those who are new or returning to exercise.
Our volunteer and skills sharing programmes, build confidence and offer opportunities to learn new skills whilst supporting others on their journey to a more active life.
girls ALIVE is where women join forces to overcome obstacles that prevent them from exercising.
Charity registration number 1189672
How to join girls ALIVE
Click this link to fill in the girls ALIVE Club membership form
What we offer
- 13 activity groups per week across running, hiking, swimming, road cycling, Cross Country cycling, Mountain Biking, Zwift and virtual low impact workouts.
- An inspiring and supportive digital community
- A skills sharing programme that increases confidence and independence.
- A comprehensive volunteer programme offering valuable experiences to develop leadership and other life skills
A supportive atmosphere
Our groups are all-female, welcoming and non-competitive. They are led by inspiring volunteers who are passionate about the benefits of being active. Our Group Leaders are dedicated and encouraging, helping women to build confidence slowly with support.
Cost
Club subs are £6.50 per month, £19.50 per quarter or £78 per year. Those who are experiencing challenging financial circumstances are encouraged to apply for a girls ALIVE membership grant. Details on membership form.
There is no participation fee for the majority of our activities. There is a small charge for sessions where a coach, venue, or equipment is required, however, it is kept to a minimum and those experiencing challenging financial circumstances are invited to apply for a girls ALIVE activity grant.
For more detail about membership email enquiries@girlsalive.org.uk
Click the links below for more info about our groups
girls ALIVE
in your community?
Start your own girls ALIVE group
Would you like to start a girls ALIVE group in your community? Once you've chosen an activity, decided what time and day suits you best, then get in touch. We will help guide you through setting up your activity and how to encourage others to join in.
Start small and you'll be surprised by how quickly your group will grow.
girls ALIVE support
As a girls ALIVE activity leader, you'll become part of the wider girls ALIVE family, giving you access to admin and communications support, marketing tools, insurance, plus training for yourself and your volunteers. In short, everything you will need to develop a vibrant and fun activity group at the heart of your community.
Get in touch
Simply click the link below and email us to find out more.
We very much look forward to hearing from you.
Contact & Connect
Where it all started
During the time when, good friends, Philippa Curphey and Eleanor Lestrange had young children, their focus had been almost solely on family and work. Like many women at this stage of life, they had not engaged in any regular exercise or taken time to focus on themselves for years. As a result, Eleanor was suffering with repeated episodes of anxiety and Philippa wanted to regain her sense of independence after having children.
In the Autumn of 2016, they come to the conclusion that it was time to take responsibility and to improve their health and well-being, so they decided to adjust their priorities and do something about it. The pair, who are known for not doing things by half, both chose to take on huge personal challenges. Philippa, who in a previous life had enjoyed recreational running, trained for and completed The London Marathon in April 2017. Eleanor took up cycling, and similarly, within 6 weeks had signed up to The Prudential Ride London’s 100-mile cycling challenge which she completed in the summer of the same year.
Having been overwhelmed by the positive impact that exercise, encouragement and support from their local community had on both their mental health and physical well being, they felt compelled to share what they have learned so that other women could benefit too and September 2017 Philippa and Eleanor put their newfound enthusiasm and passion for community sports to good use and created the 'girls ALIVE' initiative.
girls ALIVE Dorking - Run Group
Whether you're an absolute beginner or a seasoned runner girls ALIVE has a run session for you.
- 5K Run/ walk group - Monday 9.15 am on Brockham Green
- Building from 5 to 10K group - Tuesday 7.00 pm from Denbies for those who are comfortable to already run 5K.
- Couch to 5K for beginners - Tuesday 7.00 pm - Coached session part of a 10-week course Dorking
- Couch to 5K for beginners - Friday 9.00 am -Volunteer lead run - Brockham Green
- Trail run 4-5 mile - Sunday 8.00 am Dorking
- Parkrun meet up - Saturday 8.45 am Mole Valley Parkrun - Denbies
If you'd like more details about our run group please email enquiries@girlsalive.org.uk and she will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Monday 9.15 am - Brockham Green - 5K Run/Walk
Brockham Green RH3 7JR - parking available around the Green
If you’ve done a little running before or fancy taking a step up from a beginner’s group, then join one of our experienced run leaders who will guide you on a gentle 5km loop through beautiful Brockham.
Tuesday 7.00 pm - Dorking - 5 to 10K group run
Denbies Wine Estate, London Rd, Dorking, RH56AA
An enjoyable evening run for those already comfortable running 5K and wanting to build on their running strength and and distance
girls ALIVE colour chart
This chart is our reference point to help us to describe the type of activity that is planned
and to help you choose activities that you would like to join.
Road cycling colour chart
This chart is our reference point to help us to describe the type of ride that is planned
and to help you choose a ride that you would like to join.
XC cycling colour chart
This chart is our reference point to help us to describe the type of ride that is planned
and to help you choose a ride that you would like to join.
girls ALIVE Dorking - Mountain Biking Group
- Are you a lapsed mountain biker?
- Maybe you lack riding buddies and/ or confidence to try new routes?
- Maybe you are a road or cross-country rider who wants to give it a go?
- Maybe you just want to have fun in the hills?
Whatever your previous experience, all you need is a mountain bike, a helmet, and a sense of adventure. We ride on Monday and Friday mornings and sometimes at weekends. In the summer we often do evening rides. We ride downhill trails all over the Surrey Hills; Ranmore, Leith, Holmbury and pitch.
The group is mixed ability and very encouraging. Please email our off-road Group Guardian jenny@girlsalive.org.uk and she will be happy to give you more detail and answer any questions you may have.
We look forward to riding with you soon!
Monday 9.30 am - Dorking / Peaslake
Approx 2.5 hours ride with meetups in Dorking and Peaslake
All levels welcome
Tuesday evenings 6.00 pm - Dorking
Meet our MTB ride leaders!
MTB colour reference chart
This chart is our reference point to help us to describe the type of ride that is planned
and to help you choose a ride that you would like to join.
girls ALIVE Dorking - Hike Group
girls ALIVE Hikes are wonderfully friendly and welcoming. Different levels of walks are offered throughout the week to cater to all ability levels. See our regular hikes below.
For more details about the different levels of hike, see our colour chart on the next page.
If you'd like more details about our hike groups please email esther@girlsalive.org.uk and she will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Tuesday morning 9.15 am - Brockham
Green (Blue)
Brockham Green RH3 7JR.
Parking available around the green.
On Tuesday mornings we usually hike for 1.5/2hrs and vary the routes to make the most of what's on our doorstep. Sticking to footpaths, bridleways, and sometimes on country lanes we take in some lovely views. We always welcome new hikers and nobody ever gets left behind. We don't tend to stop off for coffee/cake on our morning hikes but there is a cafe on the green if you need refreshments after your hike!
Wednesday evening (Pink)
7.30 pm, Hillier Garden Centre
Hillier Garden Centre RH4 1NP
Parking is available at the Garden Centre
We head up a traffic-free road and then gently climb using a zig-zag footpath, this brings us out at the top of Box Hill. We head over the back of the hill and down a long chalky path into the belly of the Juniper valley. There’s plenty of space to walk side by side, great for chatting, but don’t get complacent because on our left are the lung buster steps! If we’re lucky we can make it to Broadwood's Folly as the sun is setting. The last segment takes us back to Salomon’s viewpoint for some star gazing and pointing at recognisable landmarks, then we head back down the hill to the cars. We cover 5 miles, 900ft elevation, it takes under two hours and we walk come rain or shine
Thursday evening hike (Blue)
7.00 pm, The pump, Brockham Green
This walk takes us from the pump on the green along the coffin path to the Betchworth church. We follow the Mole along the road to the beautiful deer then up a short sharp bridle path to Buckland stores. Then a short distance till we pass over the sandy arable field to the back of the Red Lion before we loop back to brockham green. It's about 4 miles and usually takes about 1 1/2 hours.Saturday morning long hike fortnightly (Pink/black)
8.00 am, various meet points
Our long hikes are designed for those wanting to discover the stunning countryside and walking routes on our doorstep (or sometimes a little further afield). A minimum of nine miles per walk, these hikes are for those with a good level of fitness as we are often walking for three hours plus and some routes can be tougher than others as we search for the best views Surrey has to offer. As with all girls ALIVE activities, no one is ever left behind and we'll always help and support each other along the way. Coffee and cake stops will be factored into routes wherever possible.
Walking and hiking colour chart
This chart is our reference point to help us to describe the type of walk that is planned
and to help you choose the walks that you would like to join.
girls ALIVE - Pool swimming
Our coached pool sessions are a great way to take your swimming to the next level. Whether you are a pure breaststroke swimmer who wants to learn front crawl or an intermediate swimmer who wants to push your fitness and improve your technique, we have a class for you. Our patient and encouraging female coaches, tailor the sessions to your ability level and keep you progressing.
We are currently running 3 courses spanning ability groups. See below for details.
You are welcome to join our swimming courses as a full or trial member. Email enquiries@girlsalive.org.uk for more detail and bookings
Breaststroke to front crawl - Green
Sunday 6.15 pm, Dunottar School RH2 7EL
Take your swimming to the next level with our confidence-building breaststroke to front crawl course.Our patient and encouraging girls ALIVE coach will take you through breathing, stroke technique and body position as well as teach you fun drills to help you practice on your own.She will create a swim set each week to keep you improving and progressing.Courses are 6 x 30 min sessionsCost of the 6-week course is £46.25Front crawl improvers - Blue
Monday 9.00 pm, Dorking Sports Centre RH4 1SN
Take your swimming to the next level with our confidence-building Front Crawl improvers coaching.Our patient and encouraging girls ALIVE coach will give help you to improve your stroke, build confidence and become more efficient as you move through the water.She will create a swim set each week to keep you improving and progressing.Courses are 6 x 60 min sessionsCost of the 6-week course is £61.75Intermediate training - Pink
Friday 7.30 pm, Dorking Sports Centre RH4 1SN
Improve your stamina, technique and efficiency in the water with our intermediate swimmer coached sessions.Our girls ALIVE coach will create a swim set each week to keep you improving and progressing.These sessions are designed for intermediate swimmers who can swim front crawl and have a reasonable level of fitness.Courses are 6 x 60 min sessionsCost of the 6-week course is £61.75girls ALIVE Dorking - Open Water Group
The ladies of girls ALIVE Dorking Open Water Swimming Group meet at various open water venues throughout the warmer months for some wonderful outdoor swimming.
The majority of the group are relatively new to open water and are still learning techniques and about the incredible benefits of open water swimming.
Join our WhatsApp group for some open water swim chat or for more information email enquiries@girlsalive.org.uk
girls ALIVE goodies
girls ALIVE Club membership terms and conditions
As a girls ALIVE Club member I agree to...
- Champion female sports participation and gender equality
- Maintain a welcoming, inclusive and non-competitive atmosphere at all times.
- Treat everyone as an equal and show kindness and encouragement to others.
- Behave in a reasonable and respectful manner during club activities and in all communications.
- Respect my girls ALIVE network and not use it to promote any personal, business or other charity interests.
- Take sole responsibility for my own decision-making and health and safety at all times.
- Get clearance from my GP before taking part in any girls ALIVE physical activity sessions.
- Pay any club subs that are due before taking part in girls ALIVE activities.
girls ALIVE Club retains the right to...
- Cancel activity sessions when necessary.
- Limit activity participant numbers when necessary.
- Refuse membership on the grounds of non-payment of Club subs.
- Remove or expel any member for unreasonable or dangerous behaviour.
- With their permission, securely hold members personal data for the purposes of club management and communications.
girls ALIVE is putting together a team to train for and run the London Landmarks Half Marathon in April 2022
Register your interest by clicking the button below
