An innovative new sports scheme has been launched in the county aimed at supporting those looking to take steps towards a healthier lifestyle.

‘Get Healthy, Get into Sport’ will provide practical support to individuals on healthy lifestyle programmes to assist their participation in sporting activities. Funded by Sport England earlier this year, and co-ordinated by Suffolk County Council, the project is primarily aimed towards those who have been identified with ‘higher risk’ longer term health issues.

Run in conjunction with Live Well Suffolk, as well as local sports and fitness providers, Get Healthy, Get into Sport will provide a follow-on transition for those who have recently accessed one of Live Well Suffolk’s services such as weight management and stop smoking.

Participants in these programmes are then supported into joining a local sports provider or club most suitable to their needs. Support could include funding initial sessions at the club, having a Live Well Suffolk health coach attending preliminary sessions with the individual or simply providing information on which clubs are most suitable to the client.

Councillor Alan Murray, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care said: “This is an exciting new project which will remove many of the barriers that often stop people getting into sports or other physical activities. We are delighted that this new initiative will offer local people more motivation and support as they work towards improving their health and overall lifestyles and will contribute to Suffolk's ambition of becoming the most active county in England.

Speaking of the scheme, Steven Lee-Foster, director of Live Well Suffolk added: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Suffolk County Council on this new initiative. We know that long term behavioural change goes beyond our initial courses and the advice we provide, so this new project will go a long way towards delivering a sustained healthy lifestyle for the individuals involved.”

Meanwhile, Mike Diaper, Director of Community Sport at Sport England, said: “It is vital that we don’t underestimate the importance of being active in our everyday life, as even relatively small amounts of activity can have huge health benefits and help prevent serious health conditions. Get Healthy, Get into Sport is a fantastic way to help create sporting opportunities for those who wouldn’t otherwise take part.”

The scheme provided by Live Well Suffolk is the first stage of the ‘Get Healthy, Get into Sport’ project. As the enterprise develops, the project will also target the wider Suffolk population in partnership with Suffolk Sport and Abbeycroft Leisure. Further details about the project will be announced in due course.

For more information about the Get Healthy, Get Into Sport programme please visit www.livewellsuffolk.org.uk or phone 01473 229292.