Huge boost for fitness programme

THE launch of Outta Skool programme Let's Get Active at the Honeywell Centre. From left, Shahida Begum, Zahoor Hussain (director and treasurer Outta Skool), Susan Fitton (Oldham Diabetes Service), Moinul Islam (programme founder), Neil Jenkinson (Oldham CCG Trustech), Janet Daeth (Oldham Diabetes Service), Nuraz Zamal (Outta Skool project manager).

A PROJECT supporting Oldhamers to improve their health and fitness has received a £60,500 funding boost.

NHS Oldham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has pledged their support for a 12-week programme which will see participants undertake a minimum of three activity-based sessions each week.

Let's Get Active's Inspire 100 scheme first launched as a pilot in 2015 with financial backing from Oldham CCG's "Dragon's Den" innovation fund.

Now the social enterprise which delivers a range of activities including dance and sports has taken a big leap in its ultimate aim to roll-out its work regionally.

Projects manager Moinul Islam said: "This next stage is very exciting for us. We are now expanding to three venues across Oldham.

"It means a huge amount to receive this funding. Three years of hard work has gone into bringing this programme to its current level. It's fantastic that Oldham CCG has caught hold of our vision and put support in place to enable us to continue.

"I believe this scheme has the potential to be replicated across Greater Manchester."

The idea was formed by Moinul after he spotted a lacking provision of practical activity programmes despite concerns over diabetes and obesity.

Around 200 people enrolled on LGA's free 12-week programme in its first year, often referred through their family GP.

During the programme, residents receive practical advice about leading a healthier lifestyle, better nutrition and incorporating regular exercise into their lives.

New funding will enable 60 fitness sessions to be held across three venues: the Honeywell Centre in Hathershaw, the OBA Millenium Cultural Centre in Featherstall Road North and the Let's Get Active (LGA) Studio in Featherstall Road South.

Sessions include healthy cooking, zumba, dance, prevention workshops, sport and gym, with the overall aim of tackling obesity, diabetes, PTSD, high blood pressure and other health issues.

The activities take place at all-hours in order to "reach the hard-to-reach communities", such as holding groups at midnight for resturant staff coming of late-night shifts.

Chief Clinical Officer at Oldham CCG Dr Ian Wilkinson also praised the LGA scheme for supporting minority communities across the borough.

He said: "Let's Get Active shows real promise as a community-based enterprise.

"The project supports the local priority for its population, and minority communities living in and around the areas of Westwood, Coldhurst and Chadderton."