Free healthy summer activity programme to get Wolverhampton active

A new scheme is being launched, aimed at getting people more active as we move out of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions

WV Gets Active is a free six-week exercise programme, delivered in collaboration between City of Wolverhampton Council and Active Black Country Partnership. It works on a mobile phone app and challenges users to build up their exercise, at a pace that suits them, to feel fitter and healthier.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic struck, activity levels in Wolverhampton were below the national average, with more than a third of the adult population of the city doing less than thirty minutes of physical activity a week. Lockdowns and reduced access to sports facilities has meant that getting regular exercise has been even more difficult for some people.

This new programme aims to encourage more people to get active. It is completely free and tailored to individual fitness and activity levels. It challenges users to increase their exercise, promoting lifestyle change and making regular exercise a part of everyday routine. The programme enables participants to track their progress over 6 weeks with the goal of reaching 30 minutes of exercise each day.

It includes local walks, activities and ideas to motivate and encourage users and no special equipment is needed, other than a smart phone and comfortable shoes to walk in.

Anyone over 18 living in Wolverhampton and currently not doing 30 minutes of physical activity a week can apply for the programme, although places are limited. After registering users will be sent a link to download the app. There will be two programmes running one starting in July and one in August. There are limited spaces on both.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Public Wellbeing, said: “Many people have struggled to find the time to exercise during the Covid-19 pandemic and after long periods of lockdown we could all use some encouragement to get back into healthier habits like regular exercise.

“This new free activity programme is suitable for individuals who are not physical active but want to increase their activity levels. The programme focuses around walking, so you just need a bit of time and some comfy shoes.

“Exercise doesn’t have to be done alone, so why not make exercise fun and challenge a friend and get them to register too.”

Active Black Country Director, Ian Carey, said: “Our aim, through Active Black Country, is quite simply to encourage people to be more active and we are delighted to be working alongside the City of Wolverhampton Council to deliver a free programme that will support everyone – whatever their ability – to increase their activity levels.

“Tailored to the individual the programme encourages people to make exercise part of their daily routine and for many of us that could be just taking advantage of the nice weather to get outside and walk more regularly. “

To find out more, and apply for the free WV Gets Active programme, visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/wvgetsactive The closing date to apply is Sunday 27 June, with the first programme starting on Friday 2nd July.