Where a series of press releases follow the same subject Rochford Life will group those pages together so that you can follow the thread and look back and see how it has developed. The most recent page will be at the top of this page, but then all other articles will be in chronological order starting from the first we received.  To see all articles scroll down.

Follow the Thread : HEALTH & FITNESS (2)

Article Dates: Page 1

16th March 2015 Rochford District Council tackles obesity – by making the most of parks and open spaces

Article Dates: Page 2

5th Oct 2014 - Mark Foster launches ‘Get Active Essex’

5th Oct 2014 - Rochford District Health Walks

10th Dec 2014 - Back to Netball Campaign

Article Dates: Page 3

9th Jan 2015 - Funding for Active Health 2015

9th Jan 2015 - Health Walks receive national accreditation

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Strictly star and record breaker Mark Foster launches ‘Get Active Essex’

5/10/14

Rochford District Council is supporting ‘Get Active Essex’, a countywide campaign that aims to encourage a healthier and more active county.

Statistics show that almost 50% of people in Essex are not participating in sport or physical activity, this campaign, led by Active Essex and supported by Rochford District Council, aims to get the people of Essex more active.

The campaign also aims to direct people to the brand new online finder, the one stop shop for all sport clubs and activities in Essex www.activeessex.org  

The face of the campaign is local sports personality Mark Foster who is not only an inspirational sportsman but a keen advocate for a healthy and active lifestyle.

Mark Foster said: “I am very proud to be the face of ‘Get Active Essex’. I am really passionate about encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle and it’s fantastic to see a campaign like this. By working with Active Essex I hope to show the importance of keeping active and healthy. I also hope that I can help inspire the people of Essex to try their hand at new sports and activities.”

The people of Essex will also be encouraged to take part via a social media competition by uploading photos of them taking part in sports and physical activity and using the hashtag #getactiveessex and could win a brand new bike.

Rochford District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community, Councillor Jo McPherson, said: “We are pleased to be supporting ‘Get Active Essex’ as it really is a worthwhile campaign. If you haven’t taken part in any exercise for some time, the prospect may seem a little daunting, but you just need to start at a pace that suits you . I’d particularly recommend our volunteer-led Health Walks, which attract people with various levels of fitness and take you some of the most beautiful parts of our District. We also have plenty of brilliant sporting facilities on our doorstep, holiday activities for children, and a wide range of local clubs.”

For a comprehensive list of sports clubs in the local area please visit www.activeessex.org  

If you are interested in being kept up-to-date with the latest news regarding local sports activities and initiaives please email sport@rochford.gov.uk  

The Rochford District Health Walks are part of Walking for Health, England’s largest network of health walk schemes, run by ramblers and Macmillan Support.

Walking for Health aims to provide everyone with access to short, free and friendly walks within easy reach of where they live.

Rochford District HealthWalks

5/10/14

Mondays at 10.45am at Hullbridge

Meet in the car park on the corner of Ferry Road and Pooles Lane

Bus route  No 20

Thursdays at 10.45am at HockleyWoods

Meet in the car park, which is pay and display, (entrance next to The Bull)

Bus route  No 7 or 8 for Hockley

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Back to Netball Campaign

10/12/14

Start your new year off with a bounce as Rochford District Council launches it’s  'Back to Netball' campaign aimed at women over 16 years wanting to try their hand at playing netball.

The sport played by many during school years, is a great way to get fit and healthy. With sessions to suit all abilities, ‘Back to Netball’ is a fun way to burn lots of calories, make new friends and rediscover your sporting ability. Netball has a wide range of health benefits; it is a great aerobic workout and it can develop and tone both the upper and lower body through jumping, catching and throwing the ball. It can also help improve flexibility and agility, as it requires quick changes of direction and speed.

Rochford District Council’s Portfolio holder for the Community, Councillor Jo McPherson said: "This Back to Netball campaign is a great opportunity for the women of the District to come together and get active with a fun, sociable team game. If you enjoyed playing the sport at school and want to play again, or if you are looking for a new activity to try, this could be just what you are looking for.  “Players do not have to have any experience of the game it is just a fun session that aims to get more people playing sport, while improving their health and fitness.”

Netball development officer Clare Popperwell said : “Back to Netball sessions provide a gentle re-introduction to the game for women over sixteen and are led by qualified coaches. You can just turn up, sessions are pay and play, and you can expect to cover basic skills like passing and footwork and play in a fun and friendly match.  It doesn’t matter if you don’t feel that fit, you can take the session at your own pace and there a position on the netball court for everyone. Running across England since 2010, over 50,000 women have taken part in Back to Netball in association with ZEO, and realised the benefits of getting involved.”

Sessions cost £20 for 10 weeks (every Thursday) and start on Thursday 15 January 7-8pm at The Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh, SS6 9BZ.

For more information and to book a place please contact your local Netball Development Officer Clare Popperwell clare.popperwell@englandnetball.co.uk Tel: 07545924991

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