Get active for Physical Activity Fortnight: Western Trust

The Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) is working in partnership with Derry City and Strabane Council, local community and voluntary organisations and workplaces to encourage members of the public to get active during a ‘Physical Activity Fortnight’ taking place from 6-19 June next.

The Western Trust and lead partners the Public Health Agency, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Derry City and Strabane District Council, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum and Derg Valley Care Healthy Living Centre have developed the campaign to promote the importance of physical activity for physical and mental health and well-being.

Lesley Finlay, physical activity co-ordinator with the Western Trust’s Health Improvement Department said Physical Activity Fortnight was about encouraging everyone to build more activity into their daily routine by simply sitting less and moving more.

He added: “We are also challenging people to make time to be active by trying recreational activities like walking, cycling, gardening, dancing, swimming or joining a local activity class.

“Our bodies are designed to move, so being physically active is essential for maintaining good health.

“Unfortunately, only 35% of adults in Northern Ireland are currently meeting the Chief Medical Officer recommendations of 150 minutes or 2.5 hours of moderate intensity physical activity like brisk walking every week.

“We are also challenging people to make time to be active by trying recreational activities like walking, cycling, gardening, dancing, swimming or joining a local activity class.”

Activities Programmes have been developed for throughout the Western Trust area, listing lots of free and low cost physical activity opportunities and events throughout

The lead partners and other community and voluntary sector organisations and workplaces are encouraging their communities and staff to get active.

There are family friendly events and activities for people new to physical activity, older people and people with a disability including walking, cycling, swimming, running, boccia, yoga and tennis.

Activities Programmes are available at: http://www.westerntrust.hscni.net/about/3330.htm

Photo shows (from left) Norman Shongo, member of the public; Lesley Finlay, physical activity co-ordinator, Western Trust; Aileen McGuinness, programmer manager, Bogside & Brandywell Health Forum; Ryan Porter, sports officer, Derry City & Strabane District Council and Sadie Logan, member of the public, supporting the upcoming Physical Activity Fortnight.