‘Give it a Go’ this March

A wide range of free activities have been specially organised in the area for the whole of March as part of the ‘Give it a Go!’ initiative – so there are no excuses for trying one or more of them.

Activities include supermarket tours to help you understand food labels, gym sessions tailored to teenagers, healthy eating talks and a healthy living walk, as well as a class on how to grow your own salad bowl. There’s an activity to suit all ages and many interests.

And if you like to stay in shape by swimming, you will be able to enjoy a session at Banbridge Leisure Centre for just £1. This reduced rate will apply during the pool’s normal opening hours.

Banbridge District Council Chairman, Councillor Joan Baird, joined with Martina McNulty, Group Chief, Southern Group Environmental Health Committee, commented: “We are delighted to team up with the PHA, the Southern Trust and neighbouring councils for the ‘Give it a Go!’ initiative. Most of us welcome some help to kickstart or continue our efforts to live more healthily. So this initiative is just the thing to help people be active, eat well and feel good. So go on, ‘Give it a Go!’

Gerry Bleakney, Head of Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement with the PHA in the southern area, said: “Eating well and being active are two of the most important things we can do to keep well, feel great and help prevent many of the health problems that are common in Northern Ireland today. Around three in five adults in Northern Ireland weigh more than is good for their health, but by making a few small changes, we can help to lose weight, maintain a healthy weight, and feel big benefits to our general health.”

Mairead McAlinden, Chief Executive of the Southern Trust, added: “‘Give it a Go!’ is a really exciting initiative that gives everyone a great opportunity to try out new activities which are both fun and good for you. Information about these activities will be available through all local newspapers, the ‘Give it a Go!’ brochure which is being distributed throughout each council area, and the website at www.giveitago.org.uk.”

‘Give it a Go!’ is a project partnership involving the Public Health Agency (PHA), Southern Group Environmental Health Committee, Southern Health and Social Care Trust, Armagh City & District Council, Banbridge District Council, Craigavon Borough Council and Newry & Mourne District Council.