On your Marks…

Residents in Stratford District aged 45 and over are being encouraged to get more active with support from two newly appointed Active Communities Officers based at Stratford-on-Avon District Council.

Fitness professionals Paula Watson and Kally Laity are developing a range of activities under the newly branded heading of ‘Get-Set-Go’, which will include;

·         ‘GET Active’ sports and activity sessions held at a selection of local leisure centres,

·         ‘SET the pace’ free guided health walks in every market town throughout the District, and;

·         ‘GO Green’ exercise initiatives that will combine gardening on specially acquired allotments and vegetable patches with raising awareness of healthy eating.

Stratford-on-Avon District Council’s new Active Community Officers, which are jointly funded by The Big Lottery Fund and Sport England, are part of a partnership with public and volunteer sector agencies to plan, promote and deliver a range of programmes to include people aged 45 and over in the District.

“Fitting exercise into a busy lifestyle can be a challenge and this is why the new activities, being driven forward by the District Council’s new dedicated Active Community Officers, provide an easy and interesting way to keep the District fit and healthy.’ Says Councillor Chris Williams, Portfolio Holder for Community Service.

“I have had a wonderful morning getting outdoors and making new friends. I never would have dreamed of walking until I heard about this group so I have felt a real sense of achievement. I enjoyed being able to go at my own pace so that I could chat as I walked – and the cup of coffee afterwards was an added bonus. I shall definitely keep coming.” Says new walker Fran Dicastiglione, 71, who suffers from osteoarthritis and is recovering from knee replacement surgery is also hoping that this will help her maintain her recent weight loss; a staggering 54lbs.

It’s well known that regular physical activity may contribute to reducing your risk of coronary heart disease, strokes, some cancers, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, dementia and other mental health problems. Group encouragement and motivation is a key element in the new programmes, helping those who join for the first time to feel they want to continue.

For more details about any of the ‘GET-SET-GO’ activities, please contact the Active Communities Team on (01789) 260648/50. 

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Tel: 01789 260105/4                     Fax: 01789 260244             www.stratford.gov.uk