Fit 4 U Walking Groups
10 July 2012
During the summer months, the Southern Trust’s Fit 4 U Project has co-ordinated a range of walking groups for people with physical and/or sensory disabilities across the southern area.
.JPG)
10 July 2012 2012
Fit 4 U Walking Groups
During the summer months, the Southern Trust’s Fit 4 U Project has co-ordinated a range of walking groups for people with physical and/or sensory disabilities across the southern area. This has included walking groups at Dungannon Park, Lurgan Park, Solitude Park, Banbridge, The Mall, Armagh and Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor.
Rhonda Richardson, Fit 4 U Project Officer, explains: “the walking groups are inclusive of people of all abilities and include independent walkers, people who use mobility aids, wheelchair users and people using mobility scooters. There are accessible paths for wheelchair users at every venue, everyone is encouraged to walk at their own pace and groups are supported by walk leaders and volunteers.”
Christine Weir, a participant from the walking group, reflects on the social and mental health benefits and explains “I enjoy meeting up with other people and being part of a walking group allows me to be active and have fun at the same time.”
Brendan McIlmurray from Lurgan also enjoys walking group and has been involved in Fit 4 U for over a year. “I find Fit 4 U very rewarding, it encourages and organises activities for people with disabilities of all ages. I myself am registered partially sighted, have diabetes and emphysema. The various activities enable me to cope not only with physical problems, but also mentally as like many people I have motivation problems. I find a sense of comradeship among the participants and enjoy the competition with help of organisers and volunteers. I hope Fit 4 U continues the good work.”
The Fit 4 U Project is funded by the Public Health Agency and led by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust in partnership with other organisations. It aims to empower people with physical/sensory disabilities to improve their health through participation in a range of physical activity and leisure opportunities.
If you would like to find out more about the Fit 4 U Project and other activities available, please contact Rhonda Richardson, Fit 4 U Project Officer, Tel. 028 3741 2129 or email rhonda.richardson@southerntrust.hscni.net.
Ends
For further information contact Edel Bennett
Communications Manager, on (028) 3861 3867.
Photo Caption
Members of Fit 4 U walking group enjoy a walk in Armagh.
