Council launches Inclusive Leisure Programmes

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has unveiled its new range of inclusive leisure programmes which will take place across a number of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s leisure facilities from September 2019.

The free programmes, which will include a variety of low impact sports and activities, are funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA) as part of the Healthy Towns West Programme under the Making Life Better framework of Empowering Healthy Living, have been organised by the Council to help encourage more people in the district lead more active lifestyles.

Sports and activities on offer will include Chi-Me which involves controlled breathing and relaxation with slow, gentle movements; kurling – a form of the original curling game that is played indoors; and boccia – a game similar to bowls and pétanque. All activities on the inclusive leisure programme are suitable for people with limited mobility and can be played or undertaken in a seated or standing position.

The inclusive leisure programmes will commence on Monday 9 September 2019 at the Bawnacre Centre, Irvinestown at 12.30pm, Tuesday 10 September 2019 at Castle Park Leisure Centre, Lisnaskea at 10.30am, Wednesday 11 September 2019 at Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen at 10.00am and Omagh Leisure Complex on Thursday 12 September 2019 at 9.15am. All sessions will last one hour and be facilitated by a fully qualified instructor.

Speaking about the inclusive leisure programme, Chairperson of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Siobhán Currie, said;

“One of the key outcomes of the Fermanagh and Omagh Community Plan 2030 is to ensure that all the people of the district are healthy and well – physically, emotionally and mentally. Fermanagh and Omagh District Council recognises the benefits of leading an active lifestyle and is delighted to be working in partnership with the PHA to provide this opportunity to our residents.

The inclusive leisure programme has been specifically designed to help people who have limited mobility or who find taking exercise difficult to get active to promote positive health and well-being.”

Colette Brolly, the PHA’s lead on physical activity, said:

“It’s important to be physically active at each stage of our lives and, combined with eating healthily, this can help us age well and feel good. Regular physical activity will help keep the heart and lungs working efficiently, maintain a healthy weight, keep muscles and bones strong, and help reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions including some cancers and Type 2 diabetes. Being more physically active can also help to reduce anxiety and stress. Any activity is better than none and I would encourage people to get involved with this programme which promises to be great fun.”

The inclusive leisure programmes are suitable for people aged 18 years and over. Participation is free however places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

For further information and to register from Monday 12 August 2019, please visit Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s website at www.fermanaghomagh.com or contact Chris Elliott, by telephone on 0300 303 1777, textphone 028 8225 6216 or email chris.elliott@fermanaghomagh.com.

For further information on the best ways to get active and also advice on healthy eating and setting targets for getting healthier visit the PHA’s website www.choosetolivebetter.com.