Concerns over the physical and mental health of Northampton's South Asian community have prompted a new series of fitness sessions aimed at 'getting people moving'.
The health sessions are the idea of Cohesive Society volunteer N. Islam, and will be held at venues and outdoor beauty spots across the town, including Abington Park, the University of Northampton, Beckets Park, The Racecourse, Victoria Park, Upton Country Park and Brixworth Country Park. Recently badminton and white water canoeing sessions have started and proved popular with members.
Cohesive Society founder, Imran Chowdhury, said: "Covid-19 has been a body blow to our community, which has been particularly badly hit due in part to the increased prevalence of several underlying health conditions such as type 2 diabetes."
"We need to change lifestyles, moving away from being sedentary into a much more active way of life with a focus on regular exercise and healthy eating."
"I was delighted to join up with the group and see them starting to understand physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity. Northamptonshire Sport look forward to working with the group over the next few months by signposting members towards our Couch to Coach Scheme and looking at ways to secure further funding to support a wider programme of support"
Imran continued: "We want to get people moving more and that could be anything from running to yoga or competitive sports such as football or badminton. We will be holding regular activity sessions, organising tournaments as well as inviting nutritionist Sheena Rose along to give healthy eating advice.
"We need to act, and we need to act fast to ensure the next generation is in better shape both physically and mentally. We have seen huge issues with diabetes, obesity, blood pressure, vitamin D deficiency, mental health and isolation and we want to make all those problems a thing of the past."
Cohesive Society is a non-governmental organisation that works on projects across the UK promoting improved cohesion between marginal communities and the wider society.
Cohesive Society , based in Northampton, has a focus on allowing migrant communities to thrive within British culture, helping minority groups to improve their English and communication skills and develop their vocational skills so that they can achieve their employment potential.
According to Cohesive Society , research reveals that the South Asian community has been disproportionately affected by Covid-19 so the charity has launched a series of fitness sessions, sports clubs and nutritional masterclasses to improve the health and diet of those most at risk.
For more information or to book a place on a fitness session of your choice, please call 07932 484632 or email info@c-ppp.org.
Community Fitness Project Participants are trained by Matthew Peleszok of Northamptonshire Sport
Community Fitness Prgramme Session - Trained by Matthew Peleszok of Northamptonshire Sport