COMMUNITY FITNESS

A NEW health and wellbeing initiative is being piloted across Cork which aims to empower communities to manage their own health.

WellComm Active There has five core community programmes aimed at helping individuals with exercise, weight management and healthy eating.

Priscilla Lynch, Head of Health & Wellbeing at Cork Kerry Community Healthcare explains: ‘With an ageing population and growing waiting lists, we need to rethink the delivery of health services and bring care directly into communities. By actively engaging with people who need support, we improve their quality of life and give them tools to manage their health and wellbeing.’

Classes and one-to-one programmes have been developed which are suited to the general adult population. Older adults, inactive individuals and at-risk and vulnerable groups are most encouraged to participate, with referrals via GPs,hospitals and community health professionals.

The schemes include Project WeightLoss which begins on the week of September 22n Castletownbere, Ballineen, Farranree, Ballintotis, Carrigaline, Mallow and Bantry with further locations soon to be confirmed. It also includes Staying Fit For The Future, Made2Move and Healthy Food Made Easy.

WellComm Active is created for people s who wouldn’t ordinarily access fitness services, says Eoin Kaar, WellComm Active Project Lead at the Cork Sports Partnership.

Health professionals or interested participants can contact Eoin Kaar at WellComm Active by email: wellcommactive@corksports.ie, or by telephone (021) 434-7096 .