SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Click into Activity is changing people’s lives

INACTIVE people in and around Chard, Ilminster, Broadway and Crewkerne have benefitted over the past seven months from a successful National Lottery funding bid led by South Somerset District Council.

The ‘Click into Activity’ project received investment of £194,480 from Sport England’s Get Healthy, Get Active fund and since it was launched more than 100 people with diabetes, pre-diabetes and high blood pressure have made big steps towards improving their lives.

One of those people was Dan Kirk who said Click into Activity had helped him feel more alive.

“Prior to being involved with this project I would say that my activity levels were minimal, I am now actively enjoying something every day, whether that is Click into Activity sessions, other activity classes or simply spending some time walking,” he said.

“I am now feeling more flexible, healthier and I would go as far as to say I am feeling more alive! The group has a fantastic social dynamic, I have met a lot of people and made new friends whilst becoming more active at the same time.

“I really think this project is good for everyone who can take advantage of the free sessions and if I can help make a difference in people’s lives in my role as a volunteer, then that’s what I’d like to do. You might as well give it a go – you have nothing to lose!’’

Sam Wenden-de-Lira, healthy lifestyles officer at South Somerset District Council, said: “Click into Activity is giving local GP surgeries the opportunity to offer healthy lifestyle support to inactive patients.

“Once GPs have identified eligible patients who would benefit from an increase in their activity levels they are then offered 12 weeks of free activity sessions. These include moderate intensity sports sessions, exercise classes and walking groups.

“If you think you meet the criteria you can arrange an appointment with one of our Click into Activity Exercise Specialists at the participating surgeries in Chard, Ilminster, Broadway or Chard or mention Click into Activity when visiting your GP.”

 The Click into Activity project is being evaluated by researchers from the Public Health and Wellbeing Research Group based at the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol. Led by Professor Jane Powell, researchers will measure and evaluate whether Click into Activity can encourage people with diabetes, pre-diabetes and high blood pressure to become more physically active.

The council’s leisure and culture spokesman, Cllr Sylvia Seal, said: “Although we are only a short way into the three year project it is really encouraging to hear stories like Dan’s.

“We already have so many case studies of people who are benefiting from Click into Activity.

“Working with a wide range of partners is enabling us to help a large number of people in and around the four communities to make a positive contribution to their long term health and I look forward to hearing from many more people benefiting from the project.’’

PHOTOS: Courtesy of South Somerset District Council.

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