A spring program aimed at reducing barriers and increasing the health and wellbeing of people in the northern suburbs will kick off on Monday.
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The new Active Launceston initiative will focus on different age groups, with activities from dancing and self defence to interactive technology and low and high intensity group exercise sessions.
The activities will be based in the northern suburbs, where about a quarter of the city’s population is based, but they are open to anyone in the surrounding areas.
“One of the successes of the Active Launceston initiative is it’s evidence-based and we known it works,” Healthy Tasmania’s Lucy Byrne said.
“It recognises that everyone has different needs and enjoys different things when it comes to being active and staying healthy. If we want people to form good habits, we need to help them find the things that works for them.”
Active Launceston is being run by Healthy Tasmania.
The spring program includes free activities spread across the week for the next three months, suitable for all different age groups, fitness levels and abilities.
“We use existing local providers to run our sessions, which helps people make that initial connection, making it easier for them to keep going with the activity outside of the Active Launceston program,” Ms Byrne said.
Northern Suburbs Community Centre manager Denise Delphin said the whole community was invited to join in.
“We appreciate it being held in the northern suburbs, but everyone can turn up and be involved.”
Ms Delphin said programs like Active Launceston removed barriers for people who may not lead particularly healthy lives.
“Getting people out and about and active is really important.
“It has a ripple effect with people being energised and happier with themselves. It’s a really positive benefit and then in turn, benefits the health system.
“There are barriers for any community. People with fixed incomes, for example, may not have that extra money to go to the gym.
“Or maybe transport is a barrier, so by making activities free and accessible, locally within the community, it has to be a winner.”
Ms Delphin said any opportunity to reduce chronic illnesses within a community and increase healthy opportunities would be beneficial.
“This will have a positive affect on the whole general health and wellbeing of the community.
“We’re encouraging the community to bring their kids along to the first session on Monday morning to kick off the spring program.”
Weekly activities
As part of the City Deal, Active Launceston is running a program of free activities each week in the northern suburbs this spring.
- Active Kids – for children under the age of five, with parents and guardians. This is a play session using everyday equipment that you would find in most homes and childcare centres. Mondays 9.15am to 10am at Torrens Street Park, Mayfield.
- Active Defence – for 11 to 17-year-olds. Designed to help provide basic defence self defence and martial arts skills. Six-week course starting August 22. Tuesdays 4.30pm to 5.30pm at Ravenswood Neighbourhood House.
- Active Technology – for students. The program teaches students to use technology to become more active. Thursdays 1.35pm to 2.50pm at Ravenswood Primary School.
- Active Parks – for the general community. This involves low impact activities for people who don’t do much physical activity. Fridays 10am to 10.45am at Heritage Forest, Mowbray.
- Active Dance – for the general community. This includes a variety of dancing disciplines, designed for all ages and abilities. Mondays 4pm to 5pm at Invermay Primary School.
- Active Inveresk – for the general community. This program is cross-training to improive cardio fitness, muscle strength, tone and endurance. Wednesdays 1.15pm to 2pm at Inveresk Precinct.