Beth Goodman, Leisure Officer at South Kesteven District Council, shares how they worked with partners to increase awareness of physical activity opportunities in the district through their recent SK Moving Roadshow in this guest blog.

I think we can all agree the benefits of getting our bodies moving are enormous. In my role as Leisure Officer at South Kesteven District Council, I am truly passionate about creating access to and opportunities for us all to be as active as we can be. Recently, SKDC partnered with likeminded organisations LeisureSK, Inspire+ and One You Lincolnshire to deliver the 2023 Get SK Moving Roadshow.

The objectives of the roadshow were simple: increase awareness of physical activity opportunities within the District and highlight the physical and mental health benefits that exercising can have. Throughout the four sessions, we spoke with individuals and families and it was promising to see lots of them were already aware of the wide-range of opportunities available.

One of tools we wanted to highlight for residents is the Let’s Move Lincolnshire Activity Finder. The activity finder is a great way to find out what’s going on in your local area, including free or low-cost sessions. We were all pleased to learn that lots of people already use the Activity Finder or would use it in the future. For local organisations running regular physical activity classes, the Activity Finder is a vital tool for spreading the word on the opportunities available for everyone to take part in – no matter their fitness level or abilities.

The great thing about the activities on offer throughout South Kesteven is that they are flexible and inclusive for all. Most activities can be adapted to suit everyone’s individual needs and there really is something for everyone.

In all four pockets of South Kesteven, Wellbeing Walks are being delivered by friendly and welcoming volunteers. Lots of the individuals we spoke with on the roadshow felt that these walks had given them a much-needed boost – both physical and mentally. As well as feeling energised and at ease, they had also met likeminded people who they now consider good friends. It was heart-warming to see the positive impact of the Wellbeing Walks – both in encouraging physical activity and in building relationships which is key to a happy, fulfilled life.

For those with more specialist needs, LeisureSK provide a range of targeted classes throughout the district ranging from Cancer Rehab, COPD Sessions, GoodBoost therapeutic exercise and wellbeing programmes and Low Impact Aqua Cycling classes. These sessions are specifically designed to support participants with more complex goals or with pre-existing health conditions. Most recently, the Active Mind and Body sessions, which have been supported by a Together Fund grant distributed by Active Lincolnshire, are now running from Market Deeping every week supporting those living with long term and chronic health conditions.

A spokesperson for LeisureSK who joined us on the roadshow said:

“It was great to get out in the community. I had lots of positive conversations with both new faces and current members who popped by to say ‘hello’.

“It was also the perfect opportunity to raise awareness of some of the services we offer. I was delighted to see our Bourne competition prize of a family swimming pass be awarded to a family with young toddlers who had never been to the centre before. They had been informed they had won on Sunday and by Tuesday had arrived for their first swim – they had a brilliant time.”

As well as Leisure SK, having One You Lincolnshire on hand for advice was a fantastic addition to the roadshow. One You Lincolnshire shared information about the quick and easy things we can all do to improve our general fitness. One You Lincolnshire offer a range of services and advice, all free of charge, all about Being Smoke Free, Drinking Less, Moving More and Eating Well.

Finally, it was great to have charity Inspire+ with us to raise their profile in each of the roadshows, engaging with parents and children about the apprenticeship schemes they offer across South Kesteven.

Kane Goswell from Inspire + commented :

“It was so nice to work within the wider community and work alongside our partners.

“We all have one shared common goal which is to increase participation levels in South Kesteven, and initiate meaningful behaviour change; keeping everyone healthy, happy and active so it was a really good opportunity to promote what we can offer for the District.”

Inspire+, as well as all the organisations at the roadshows, help change young people’s lives by creating accessible routes into physical and wellbeing activities, leading to healthier, happier lifestyles.