Blackpool FC Community Trust working for healthier lifestyles and longer lives

Lessons with Louise have proved popular and beneficial

Blackpool FC Community Trust column: Adapting our support during lockdown while ...

The work of Blackpool FC Community Trust (BFCCT), who deliver a range of activities for all abilities, is therefore of great importance to the town’s general wellbeing.

However, in line with national physical activity trends, male participants significantly outnumber females, something highlighted by Sport England’s successful This Girl Can campaign.

It is hugely positive therefore that BFCCT has been successful in obtaining a grant of £10,000 from Subway and Heart Research UK to deliver a range of activities to support physical and mental health and wellbeing, all aimed at engaging female adults.

Despite being impacted by lockdown and having to rotate between outdoors and online delivery, the activities kicked off in September and have been very popular.

Attendee Emma said: “The live activity workouts on Zoom with Louise are great and have really helped.”

And as the videos are recorded, people have been able to repeat the exercise. Helen commented: “I enjoyed last week’s class with (instructor) Louise and did it again yesterday!” As restrictions are relaxed, more new activities are planned. Chair-based activities for those with reduced mobility started last month.

Jason White, Head of Community Programmes at BFCCT, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for us to support more people in the community, particularly during these tough times, while at the same time raising awareness around the importance of a healthy heart and lifestyle.”

Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion and Education at Heart Research UK, added: “We are delighted to work with BFCCT on a project aimed at inspiring women to get involved with physical activity and improve their heart health.

“For many people, Covid-19 has resulted in fewer opportunities for physical activity and community engagement. It is fantastic to see how this community project will help people to focus on improving their health and wellbeing at such a challenging time.”

All these activities are free and anyone wishing to take part should contact [email protected] or call Nathan Davies on 07597 786098.

Louise holds a live workout on our Facebook page each Wednesday at 6pm and a gentle exercise session on Thursday’s around 1pm.

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