Published April 2017
BH Live is launching a series of health walks around Kinson, Littledown and Boscombe in a bid to get more people, more active.
Weekly 45-minute guided walks are open to all and are open to anyone to just turn up and take part.
They will start in Boscombe during April 2017 with additional monthly routes around Kinson and Littledown beginning in May 2017.
This walking programme is led by BH Live in partnership with Walking for Health, England’s largest network of health walks, and supported by LiveWell Dorset and Bournemouth University.
“Regular walking at a good pace has many benefits for health and is also a very sociable activity – best of all it is free, says BH Live’s Health and Wellbeing Manager, Kate Rogers.
“While many residents across Bournemouth regularly enjoy getting active there is still more to be done to encourage people to take part in regular physical activity – especially in some of the town’s more deprived areas.
“We have identified that factors such as cost, transport and ability get in the way for some people. So by introducing free and supported accessible activities right in the heart of the most inactive communities we are more likely to encourage people to join in and move more – which in turn could have a positive impact on public health.”
During April, weekly community circuits exercise classes are also launching at the Neptune Harvester adjacent to Boscombe Pier. These will be delivered by BH Live in partnership with Active Dorset. A session costs just £1 per person to participate and is ideal for people over 16 years old who want to try out group exercise classes.
In the coming months, BH Live will be rolling out the healthy walks scheme across Portsmouth and Poole, in conjunction with current providers, to broaden its existing activity programme and reach even more inactive people.
To find out more about taking part visit bhliveactive.org.uk/health-walks
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
Bournemouth Opinion Survey – 66% of Boscombe residents have described their health as good, however it falls below the Bournemouth average of 68%. It also has the lowest rate of social contact compared to other areas in the town.
About BH Live’s Health Walks – delivered in partnership with Walking for Health
- Boscombe – Every Thursday (Starts 6 April 2017) 10am – Meet at JOY Café, Churchill Gardens, Boscombe, BH1 4ES.
- Pelhams Park Leisure Centre – First Monday of the month (Starts 1 May 2017) 10.30am – Meet at main reception.
- Littledown Centre – First Wednesday of the month (Starts 3 May 2017) 2pm – Meet at play park area at the rear of the Littledown Centre.
Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing subject to the weather and conditions, supportive shoes or boots and bring a small bottle of water. Walks last for 45 minutes, are on flat surfaces and suitable for wheelchairs and buggies.
About the Circuits Class – delivered by BH Live in partnership with Active Dorset
Starts on Thursday 6 April 2017
Sessions run from 10.00am – 11.00am and will take place every Thursday
The Neptune Harvester, Undercliff Drive, Boscombe Pier, BH5 1BN
Contact kate.rogers@bhlive.org.uk for more details or just turn up on the day
For more information about BH Live please contact:
Elizabeth Symmons, PR & Corporate Communications Executive
E: press.office@bhlive.org.uk
T: (01202) 055562
About BH Live
BH Live is the south coast’s leading operator of leisure and event venues; a social enterprise that designs and builds engaging experiences to inspire people and enrich lives.
With more than three million visits a year and over £36.5 million turnover, the organisation is changing lives – placing it at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy.
In 2015/16 BH Live hosted more than 500 events, sold over half a million cultural, sporting and entertainment tickets. They had 2.6 million visits into its leisure centres and welcomed 118,000 conference and exhibition delegates into its venues. This contributed an estimated £66.3 million to the local economy through business and cultural tourism.
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About Walking for Health
1,800 weekly walks are supported by around 8,300 friendly, specially trained volunteers who are on hand to provide encouragement and support, and make sure no one gets left behind. Walks are short and over easy terrain, and are open to everyone but are especially aimed at those who are least active. Every week we reach 20,200 walkers, supporting them to experience the benefits of getting and staying active.
Many of our walkers start walking to improve their health, but find it easy to keep coming back because of all the new friends they’ve made. So as well as all the physical health benefits, Walking for Health is also great for your social life!
All schemes across England are supported by a national team providing free promotion, advice and tools to help raise awareness of Walking for Health amongst policy-makers, funders and partners as well as potential walkers.
Walking for Health is run by the Ramblers and Macmillan Cancer Support. By sharing their walking and health expertise they enable our schemes to offer short, free, local health walks in communities across England. The partnership demonstrates both organisations ambition to help more people, including those affected by cancer, discover the joys and health benefits of walking.