Swindon Borough Council launches major programme to get local people active

BSW Together is all about helping to improve the health and wellbeing of local people and a new initiative recently launched by Swindon Borough Council is aiming to do just that by encouraging the people to be more active in their daily lives.

Experts have found that one in three Swindon adults are not active enough, increasing their risk of diabetes and breast and colon cancers.

To tackle this, a new strategy has been launched to increase physical activity levels in the town.

The Get Swindon Active Partnership launched a new physical activity strategy in October with support from local VCSE sector organisations, sports clubs such as Swindon Town FC’s Community Foundation, gyms, and community groups.

All of the organisations have a shared interest or responsibility for physical activity, sport and health. The Partnership’s aim is to improve public wellbeing through helping people increase their physical activity levels, and achieve a healthy weight.

Councillor Brian Ford, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for adults and health, said: “We have the second highest percentage of adults who are inactive in the South West, according to the latest figures, so it is incredibly important we get more people taking part in regular exercise to reduce their risk of developing potentially life-threatening conditions.

“We also have a high percentage of people over the age of 65 who do not take part in any activities and this is something we need to address if we are to encourage people to live healthy, independent lives so they don’t have to rely on care services.”

Launching Get Swindon Active, Swindon Borough Council’s Director of Public Health Steve Maddern said: “Physical activity has been described as a magic bullet for both physical and mental health. If it was prescribable we’d all want it on prescription. But, in fact, you don’t need a prescription, it’s free and activity is just there.”

Dr Maddern said part of the scheme’s intention was to work with partners to identify, find and break down the barriers that prevent people being more active in their daily life.

Swindon residents can find opportunities to be active within their local area and at home, and access advice on building movement into daily life by visiting the local offer website: Swindon Move More