The Trust project, in partnership with Active Cheshire, aims to use the grant funding and the county's extensive waterway network to find new ways to encourage older people to get active on and alongside water. We are plan to run a three year project which will include the recruitment and training of 12 active volunteers to develop a programme of activities along Cheshire's canals and rivers.
Sport England research shows that inactivity among people over 55 is responsible for just as many deaths as smoking.
In Cheshire and Warrington just over 40% of the population (373,600 people) are over 55 and of these 53% (199,502) do less than two and a half hours exercise a week. Research from Active Cheshire shows the main reasons for inactivity are health (54%), work and family commitments (26%) and lack of interest (15%).
Pilot projects
In the first year, we will run pilot projects in Macclesfield and Winsford, plus an extensive research project to inform the best way to engage with people over 55, understanding any barriers to exercise. In the second and third years, four more community projects will be initiated around the county.
Gillian Renshaw, our development and engagement manager said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for the Trust and older people in Cheshire. We know our canals already offer great opportunities for walkers, boaters, anglers, joggers and cyclists. This project will help us to understand their motivation and behaviour, and explore how we can encourage and better support them to enjoy the big outdoors. We want people to get outside, take in their environment, make friends whilst becoming more physically active and where better to do this than along our wonderful waterways."
Mike Diaper, Executive Director at Sport England, said: "Being active is one of the most important things people can do to maintain health and wellbeing as they age. We're delighted to be supporting the Canal & River Trust with National Lottery funding to help get older adults lead happier and heathier lives. We'll be sharing learnings so successful approaches can be scaled-up or replicated across the country."
Anyone in Cheshire, over 55, who would like to get involved with this project, please email [email protected].
