Sefton Council launched a brand new programme designed to get vulnerable adults active last week at Crosby Lakeside.
Get Healthy Get Active aims to help adults with learning difficulties and over 65s who are at risk of dementia or falls get active through the deliveryof sport and physical activity sessions.
The programme, a joint venture with Edge Hill University and funded by Sport England, is one of 16 projects being delivered nationally that mixes practical sessions with vital research into the impact on the target groups.
At the launch on Thursday, November 12 around 40 participants from People First, Sefton New Directions and One Vision Housingtook part in a variety of taster sessions, including indoor bowls, Zumba, fitness circuits and chair based exercise.
There was even the opportunity for the more daring participants to brave the choppy waters and test out their speedboat skills on the lake.
Cllr Paul Cummins, Cabinet Member of Adult Social Care, said: “It was a great launch event and it was fantastic to see so many people getting involved and really enjoying the sessions provided.
“It is important that we offer a tailored programme to meet the needs of the more vulnerable residents in Sefton and I am delighted that Sport England awarded us £398,000 to set up the project.
“Hopefully the research conducted by Edge Hill University will provide evidence of the positive impact such projects have and the importance of their delivery.”
Prof. Stuart Fairclough, Professor of Physical Activity Education at Edge Hill University, said: Vulnerable adults are among the least physically active members of the society and so it really exciting that Sefton Council’s Get Healthy Get Active initiative will provide bespoke physical activity programmes for the residents who need those most.
We at Edge Hill University are looking forward to undertaking the research and evaluation element of the project, which will be led by postgraduate research student George Sanders. The project represents a great example of the strong partnership that has been developed between the university and Sefton Council.”
It is hoped that, along with improving health, the programme will also reduce social isolation and increase mental wellbeing.
Get Healthy Get Active starts in January, for more information visit sefton.gov.uk/ghga
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