Helping County Durham Get Active!
County Durham Sport's Changing the Physical Activity Landscape project, commissioned by NHS County Durham and Darlington, has launched its second phase of funding. The project aims to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in people aged 40-74 in County Durham through increased physical activity. This year, £1 million of funding is available to projects with an emphasis on:
• the former districts of Sedgefield, Teesdale and Wear Valley
• encouraging participation in those at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and their family members
• one-to-one support
• encouraging popular forms of activity such as walking, running, cycling and swimming
18 projects were successful in the first phase of funding, sharing nearly £3 million. Current projects include rugby officiating opportunities, mobile fitness suites, an explore rowing programme, dancing and fitness taster sessions and a led cycle programme.
Andrew Power, Strategic Manager (Physical Activity), County Durham Sport says: "It's great to see the current projects up and running and we look forward to receiving more innovative and unique project applications in Phase 2. Regular physical activity can deliver positive physical and mental benefits and plays an important role in the prevention of chronic diseases such as stroke and cardiovascular disease. "
Anna Lynch, Director of Public Health County Durham says: "County Durham has some of the lowest sport and physical activity participation levels in the country and this is reflected by the wide range of health inequalities in the area. The Changing the Physical Activity Landscape project is working towards reducing these inequalities and supporting the NHS Health Check Programme."
More information about the project, the physical activity opportunities available and documents for projects wishing to bid into the second phase of funding can be found at www.countydurhamsport.com/changing-the-physical-activity-landscape