Free gym passes to boost your health

“GYM’LL fix it” is coming to Oldham — but with a difference.

Free gym passes are now available for people who want to lose weight or get in shape.

The Gym’ll fix it passes entitle people to six gym sessions or exercise classes at a wide range of participating gyms across Oldham.

The scheme is run by the health improvement service from Oldham Community Health Services (part of NHS Oldham) and is being run alongside several other weight management schemes and initiatives.

Margo Jackson, health development worker, said: “We are always looking for ways to help people kick start a healthy new lifestyle.

“We hope the passes will motivate people to get more active and see how great regular exercise can make them feel, which will hopefully mean they continue exercising even after the passes run out.”

Eligible people, who must be aged over 16, can be referred to the scheme from several sources, including some local GPs, Oldham Community Health Services’ health trainers and through participating gyms.

To receive the passes, a monitoring form must be filled in that includes a health questionnaire and height, waist and weight measurements.

People taking part in the scheme will be appointed a dedicated healthcare worker, who will provide support and guidance.

At the end of the six sessions, participants will be asked to complete an “end of activity” form, which is sent to the healthcare worker, who will then give feedback about changes in measurements and discuss any changes to health and future plans.

If the scheme is a success, it is hoped that it will be repeated.

The passes expire at the end of this month. Anyone who is interested in finding out more can call 0161-621 7124.