Volunteers help support new health initiative

Twenty volunteers in Roehampton are getting ready to encourage other members of the community to lead healthier lives.

The public-spirited residents have pledged give up their time to get involved with the Roehampton Challenge, through which local people can access a variety of health support services, community schemes or activity sessions.

And, Wandsworth Council's public health team is encouraging other members of the community to give volunteering a go by supporting the Challenge in one of many ways.

This could be by offering to become a walk leader and taking guided walks through the borough, by helping promote the borough's stop smoking campaigns, volunteering at future community events or by assisting community groups with local projects.

The council's spokesman for adult care and health, Councillor Jim Maddan, said: "As well as enabling people to give something back to the community, volunteering can also open doors to training and employment opportunities for people looking to get into work or change career.

"In addition to the various activities and initiatives already running as part of the Roehampton Challenge, there are many more being planned so I would urge anyone interested in finding out more about the volunteering opportunities on offer to get in touch."

Officially launched earlier this month at the Roehampton Festival, the year-long Roehampton Challenge features initiatives like free gym or swimming memberships to residents who complete one of four different criteria.

One of these is the Change Champion course, which is run by public health and offers anyone taking part the chance to learn more about health and wellbeing - and possibly even gain a recognised health qualification.

More than 30 residents have already signed up to become a Change Champion, with anyone completing the course being eligible to receive either a gym membership at Roehampton Sport and Fitness Centre or a swimming membership at Putney Leisure Centre.

Alternatively, local people can take advantage of the free membership offer by signing up to the borough's Stop Smoking service, by taking part in the Adult Weight Management Programme or by attending the Peer Support Programme.

At the Roehampton Festival alone 48 people put their names down for professional help to quit smoking.

Health initiatives featured in the Roehampton Challenge include a community food enterprise, a dedicated support service for people experiencing mental health issues and free NHS health checks for people aged 40 to 74.

Also being considered as part of the Challenge is the possibility of installing an outdoor gym in Roehampton for local residents to use at any time. Should the idea receive community support, there will be a public consultation over where to set it up.

These web pages bring together all the information you need to get the most of living in Roehampton - whether it be accessing health services, finding out about education and employment opportunities or catching up on the latest news.

Alternatively, if you have questions about the Roehampton Challenge or other health activities and support services, email cmillar@wandsworth.gov.uk.

Running alongside the Challenge is the Health and Wellbeing Fund. Local groups can help encourage healthy-living in the local area by bidding for a grant of between £5,000 and £10,000 to provide services and activities for the community in which they operate.

September 17, 2013