Axé Boom Boom is an Edinburgh-based social enterprise using Capoeira, Samba de Roda and Djembe drumming to help people of all ages build healthier, happier and more connected lives. Through movement, music and culture, we create opportunities for children, young people and adults to become more active, improve their wellbeing and develop confidence that extends far beyond the classroom.

Since founding Axé Boom Boom, our mission has been simple: to make lifelong physical activity enjoyable, inclusive and accessible. We believe exercise should be something people look forward to rather than something they feel pressured into. Our work reaches diverse communities across Edinburgh through children's classes, school programmes, community workshops and adult sessions. Although every programme is different, they all share the same purpose: helping people discover confidence through movement while creating spaces where everyone feels they belong.

One area that has become increasingly important for us is supporting women to prioritise their own wellbeing.

Many women balance careers, caring responsibilities and the demands of everyday life, often placing their own physical and mental health at the bottom of the list. Traditional fitness environments can feel intimidating or overly focused on appearance or performance, creating additional barriers for those returning to exercise or trying something new.

Our women's Capoeira and Samba de Roda classes offer an alternative.

Designed specifically for women and those who identify as women, the classes provide a safe, welcoming and supportive environment where participants can improve their strength, flexibility and fitness while building confidence and genuine friendships. There is no expectation of previous experience or fitness level, only a willingness to try something new.

Capoeira is a unique Afro-Brazilian art form that combines martial arts, music, rhythm, self-expression and cooperation, encouraging people to move at their own pace, celebrate progress and support one another rather than compete. Alongside this, Samba de Roda, a joyful dance tradition from Bahia, brings women together in a circle to celebrate through music, rhythm and movement. The emphasis isn't on getting every step right, but on expressing yourself, connecting with others and enjoying the experience together.

The atmosphere in every class is one of encouragement rather than judgement. Participants celebrate each other's progress, laugh together and gradually discover that movement can become a source of joy, resilience and connection. For many, the friendships they build become just as valuable as the physical activity itself, helping to reduce isolation and strengthen their sense of belonging.

Receiving SDG5 Living Lab Discretionary Funding enable Axé Boom Boom to reach more women who could benefit from these classes. The funding will help offset marketing and advertising costs, allowing us to raise awareness among women who may never have considered Capoeira or Samba de Roda, or who do not feel represented in traditional fitness spaces.

By increasing visibility, we hope to remove barriers to participation and encourage more women to discover activities they can enjoy throughout their lives. Every new participant represents another opportunity for improved physical and mental wellbeing, increased confidence and stronger social connections.

This project reflects the wider vision of Axé Boom Boom: creating inclusive communities where everyone feels valued, empowered and inspired to live active, healthy lives. We know that when women are supported to invest in their own wellbeing, the benefits extend far beyond the individual. Families become healthier, communities become stronger and positive change spreads through the people around them.

The SDG5 Living Lab funding is helping us take another important step towards that vision. By enabling more women to discover Capoeira and Samba de Roda, we are not simply promoting new classes, we are creating opportunities for women to move more, connect with others and build healthier, more confident futures together.