Active Cumbria believe the power of sport and activity to support people’s physical and mental health has never been more important than it is right now. This is why the Foodbank network across Allerdale, Copeland and Barrow have agreed to step in and help distribute resource packs to some of the poorest families and those living with long term health conditions in those coastal areas.
Active Cumbria, Cumbria Youth Alliance and Allerdales’ Together We team have teamed up to pull together physical activity packs to encourage people to stay active at home.
The physical activity packs will be distributed by the Foodbank network with District Nurses, Family Action, Cumbria Youth Alliance and Together We, the fitness and wellbeing centre providing practical support to show people how to use the content of the physical activity packs.
The packs have been funded by Cumbria Community Foundation and have been supported by United Utilities and the Book Trust. They contain items such as a resistance band, a bat and ball, a skipping rope, books and plenty of other items to help people be and stay active at home.
Deborah Earl, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities said: “Now that we’re coming into the autumn and winter months, it can be less attractive to be outside and with covid-19 still very much here, some people with long term health conditions are understandably more worried to go outside. Having this kit bag can help families and those with long term health conditions to be active at home. With the support of those involved in the project we hope that recipients get involved in the wider opportunities available and see the benefits that physical activity can bring to their lives”.
Russell Maddams, Development Officer at Active Cumbria said: “It’s been great to collaborate on this project, with thanks to the foodbanks we’ll reach those that need this most. We know the packs might only make a short term impact and that’s why we’ve teamed up with the different organisations such as the District Nurses, Cumbria Youth Alliance and Together We, so that this venture is more than just receiving the pack, families will have access to proper advice and support that can make a big difference to their lives.”
