Local authority schemes getting residents active and healthy this summer

Local authorities across BSW have been focussing on encouraging local residents to get outside in the fresh air, take part in exercise and get active this summer through several new initiatives.

From cut-price swimming lessons to schemes to encourage more use of parks and green spaces, local authorities in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire are helping local people to get active and improve their health and wellbeing.

The initiatives also support some of BSW Together’s key objectives, such as our focus on preventing ill health and giving everyone in BSW equal access to healthy lifestyles.

Wiltshire Council is doing its bit by encouraging people to reach for their swimming costumes and keep cool in the pool with swim loyalty promotions and intensive lessons this summer.

The loyalty promotion, available in all Wiltshire Council run swimming pools, offers a free tenth swim once a participant has purchased the first nine swims. Running between Saturday 1 July and Thursday 31 August, the eligible swims can be purchased during all public swimming sessions throughout the week.

Swindon Borough Council recently marked Love Parks Week to celebrate parks, green space and the volunteers and workers that look after them all year round.

During the campaign, the Council focused on a different park each day, sharing photos, videos and information on history, wildlife and activities on its social media channels.

Meanwhile, Councillors in Bath and North East Somerset Somerset have launched an expanded programme of walks for this year’s Bathscape Walking Festival, which takes place from 9 to 24 September. A complimentary walking festival takes place in the Somer Valley area of BaNES on Saturday 9 September and Sunday 10 September.

Families, groups and solo walkers will have more than 75 walks and events to choose from this year, most of them free.

Nordic walking is gaining popularity as a way to burn calories and improve overall fitness and this year there will be a series of taster sessions in Pennyquick Park. The health theme continues with weekly well-being walks and exploring wildlife and well-being at Newton Park campus at Bath Spa University.

The full programme of events can be viewed on the Bathscape website and the Somer Valley Walking Festival programme is found on the local Ramblers website. You can email info@bathscape.co.uk or call 01225 477265 to find out more.