Many of us take learning to ride a bike and taking part in sport as kids as part and parcel of childhood.

But sisters Sahida and Wehida rarely played outside while they were growing up in a big family in Ward End, with six children.

They became short on confidence, and struggled to get out to meet other people.

But as adults they have pursued more active, sociable lives - notching up a dozen half-marathons between them, including finishers’ medals from events in Dublin, Edinburgh and Newcastle.

Sahida and Wehida both credit these achievements to joining Saheli Hub, which has received funding from the National Lottery and is helping women in Birmingham.

They even took part in Velo Birmingham & Midlands - held during Ramadan, after being granted special permission from organisers to take part in 10 miles of the 100 mile closed road course.

(Image: Birmingham Mail)

Sisters grow in confidence

At first, the sisters were apprehensive about the reaction as their cycling journey led from beginners’ sessions on sports courts to instructor-led rides on roads in an area with a large Pakistani Muslim community.

“We were nervous at first about being women out and about cycling on the roads in a predominantly Asian and Pakistani Muslim area,” said NHS worker Sahida, aged 45.

“But this project has helped to break down the stereotypes of the typical Asian woman who stays at home and never goes out.

“Men have been stopping their cars to let us pass and, because Saheli are very visible, women have stopped us to ask who we are and where we meet.

“Everyone has been really supportive and now I see women in headscarves out cycling in Ward End.

“It’s encouraging and heart-warming to see that they are leading healthier lives in a city that is moving towards cleaner air and a better environment.

“It’s not just about sport, we go out for meals at the weekend and socialise and there’s also allotment gardening, knit and natter, crochet and chai and Zumba,” Sahida said.

“There also a sense of community and a sense of achievement within the group.”

(Image: Birmingham Mail)

Wehida, 48, has also spoken about how she has grown in confidence and has been joined on rides by her 18-year-old daughter, Sanna.

“Even after all this, I still lack confidence but the group always encourage me, always motivate me and we push each other,” said Wehida, who works in a children’s centre.

“My daughter has learned to ride a bike as well and taken up cycling and running.

“She has gone on to university to study bio-science but is considering sport as a career.

“We have taken part in events together where it’s been nervy out on the road but I’ve stayed strong for her and because it is about parents setting the right example for their children.”

All about Saheli Hub

(Image: Birmingham Mail)

Established in 1998, Saheli responded to a need for women’s-only community health and well-being activities, with a study carried out for the charity finding this should take into account the culturally-sensitive needs of local Muslim women.

Run across three 'wellbeing hubs', including the main base by Calthorpe Park in Balsalll Heath, along with Handsworth and Bordesley Green, the project's activities reach around 1,500 women every year.

The age range at Saheli’s cycling sessions stretches from the early teens to members in their 60s.

Marathons, half-marathons, 10k runs and road rides are among the events that have followed after newcomers have embarked on a “Saheli adventure”.

(Image: Birmingham Mail)

Saheli Hub in action

Sahida and Wehida recently joined 30 cyclists wearing safety gear and pink Saheli T-shirts who took part in a 10-mile ride for the project’s first outing at the Vélo.

The group were briefed on topics ranging from healthy eating tips during Ramadan to puncture repairs.

Because the Vélo took place during Ramadan, when Muslims fast between dawn and sunset, the cyclists joined the event on the last 10 miles after being funnelled in once the main crowds had passed.

The ‘Ramadan Express’, as some of the Saheli cyclists call it, are aiming to complete the 100 and 45 mile distances next year, depending on the date that the event is scheduled.

(Image: Birmingham Mail)

Naseem’s achievements also include taking 17 women who had never run before and helping them train up to a level where they took part in the annual Simplyhealth Great Birmingham Run over half-marathon distance of 13.1 miles.

“On our first session in Cannon Hill Park we did three laps in one hour and forty minutes,” said Naseem, who completed the Paris marathon in April 2019.

“Now we do it in forty minutes.

“We also do the 10k and Birmingham half-marathon every year and the people of the city are amazing, they are so supportive and encouraging.

"It’s really nice to see, especially in the inner city where they are standing with water and shouting our club’s name. I always joke that I should do a samosa stop at Balsall Heath.”

At Ward End Park, classes and rides are run for different abilities every Saturday and Sunday. Cycling groups are also run by Saheli in Balsall Heath, Saltley and Handsworth.

Naseem Akhtar, Saheli Hub’s project manager, is a whirl of energy and enthusiasm as the women gather bikes and safety gear on the crisp Saturday morning.

“The cycling club was launched about two years ago, but unofficially it’s been going for about 10 years,” she said.

“It’s encouraging women mainly, but not exclusively, of black and ethnic minority background to learn how to ride a bike and cycle.

"We’ve trained up our own instructors who teach women how to ride a bike in two or three locations.”

(Image: Birmingham Mail)

Sessions in Ward End Park begin with the basics of riding a bike in sports courts, before the cyclists move on to instructor-led journeys around the park and then on the roads.

The graduated sessions take place on Saturdays and Sundays.

Learners feel at ease in all-women groups where, safety permitting, they can wear whatever they like, including head scarves and long sleeves and trousers, in fitting with their cultural background, rather than cyclists’ lycra-wear.

Cycling is just one of many pursuits offered by Saheli.

Running has landed the group finishers’ medals from marathons, half-marathons and other events across the UK, with gardening and knit and natter sessions available for those who want to socialise at a slower pace.

“We offer progression and it’s all about the adventure,” Naseem said.

“We call it the Saheli adventure and we will help and support you along the way.

“You can go from walking to jogging to running marathons – the adventure can be whatever you choose.

“While women may join for health issues, such as weight, the emphasis is always on fun, and they may join one group, such as cycling, and go on to others.

“After a while their confidence grows and they suddenly ask you, ‘can I do this next?’ but you can always stay a beginner if you choose.

“One of the key things we offer is social interaction, which is great for women who can be isolated at home.”

(Image: Birmingham Mail)

Saheli Hub is one of the leading examples of how communities can get out and active – one of the key themes of the National Lottery’s #GetActiveBrum campaign.

How the National Lottery has helped Saheli Hub

The National Lottery has played a vital role in helping Saheli to open new doors for its members.

Naseem said: “Originally Saheli Hub was based in a college health and wellbeing site and from that we’ve grown to getting people active in a wide range of health and wellbeing activities.

“If a lady comes to us wanting to be more active we can offer running, cycling, Parkruns, half-marathons and marathons, The National Lottery have helped us to get resources and equipment, including bikes, to make this happen.

"Women who have joined cycling and other activities have gone on to be volunteers for Saheli and are continuing to learn and to challenge themselves.”

As the group prepare for their training ride, they stop on a path for a cheer.

The next – and loudest – shouts are likely come from the sidelines of some of the region’s biggest sporting events.

*For further information, click here or call 0121 446 6137.