News

Walk Back To Health

A new project, aiming to help locals walk their way back to health, is due to launch at Dovestones this weekend.

The U Project, Community Interest Company, set up with money from the council’s Community for Health Fund, will provide free activities including walking, running, cycling and climbing to offer a new way to enjoy the local beauty spot. With classes held every Saturday, starting this weekend, Oldham Community Leisure’s Alan Keane hopes that it is a step in helping to bring the borough’s health up to scratch. He said:

“Oldham is statistically one of the most deprived boroughs in the UK with high instances of premature death from heart disease, stroke and cancer. “

What this does is show people that you can get fit outside of the gym environment, it’s about encouraging families to get up there together and use the beautiful area more effectively and in a way that is sympathetic to the surroundings.

The venture’s aim is to create a community of partners, with the NHS, Oldham Community Leisure, Oldham Community Health Service (Lets Go For a Walk scheme) and local outdoor sports groups already signed up to work together. The new taster activities will start at beginner’s level between 1pm and 3pm weekly. Saddleworth Runners are joining in, whilst local climber Kevin Thaw is also lending a hand to ensure the success of the project that will run for 20 weeks until September.

To find out more contact Alan Keane on 07808 770 341 alan.keane@ocll.co.uk.

or visit http://www.uproject.co.uk/ CAP - (L-R) Organisers Beth Sutcliffe (NHS Manchester), Mike Doherty (Dovestones Sailing Club), Gaynor Keane (Oldham Community Health Service) and Alan Keane (OCLL), get ready to launch the UP at Dovestone project.

By Lewis Jones