Council launches free New Year Step Challenge programme

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, in partnership with the Public Health Agency (PHA), under the Making Life Better framework of Empowering Healthy Living, is encouraging people who take little or no exercise to sign up to its new year Step Challenge programme.

The free programme, which aims to help people make positive changes to their lifestyle by getting active, encourages participants to get out and about and take more steps every day.

To help participants reach their goals, weekly organised walks lasting one hour will take place at Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen and Omagh Leisure Complex commencing on Tuesday 12 January 2021 at 7.30pm. Each walk will be led by a fully qualified walk leader. Each participant who completes the programme will receive a free hoodie.

Speaking about the forthcoming programme, the Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Chris Smyth, said;

“For those who take little or no exercise, taking the first steps to getting active is quite often the hardest. Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is delighted to be, once again, working in partnership with the PHA to deliver the Step Challenge programme to help encourage residents lead a more active lifestyle with support provided by qualified walk leaders”

Colette Brolly, the PHA lead for physical activity, said: “By measuring the steps we take, we can see what our current step count is and track how we can improve it over time. This can be done by simply building extra activity into our everyday lives, such as going for a walk with the dog, getting off the bus one stop early, or walking instead of driving to the shops.

“Research has shown that setting yourself a target and tracking your progress can significantly increase levels of physical activity.

“Walking groups can be a good way to get started and it’s also a great way to make friends who can keep you motivated. Walking is one the simplest forms of activity and being more active has many benefits; helping maintain your weight, reducing the risk of developing chronic conditions including some cancers and Type 2 diabetes, as well as reducing anxiety and stress. Being physically active helps us age well and reduces the risk of falls and fractures”

Please note places on the programme are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Programme registration is available from Monday 30 November 2020.

For further information on how to register please click on this link.