Cash boost for Go Active Get Healthy programme

      GO Active Get Healthy (GAGH) has been given £60,000 of funding for another year of which £8,643 has been allocated to West Oxfordshire with the Council adding another £5,000.

Across the county, the GO Active Get Healthy programme is funded by Active Oxfordshire and Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group and delivered in partnership by district councils, their leisure providers and local GP practices.

The initiative takes advantage of expert advice from qualified sports coaches with participants receiving motivational, tailored support. Information about local activities such as subsidised swimming lessons and free use of leisure facilities is also provided when they are available.

One resident who has benefited from the programme is 64-year-old Dick Tracey from Witney who has lost weight and no longer takes insulin to manage his condition.

He said: “My life has been totally transformed. I have lost 35lbs and can walk longer distances at a quicker pace. None of this would have happened without the intervention of Jenny and the GO-Active Get Healthy project.”  

Dick now manages his condition through exercise and he now cycles every day.

Jenny Bennett, Healthy Communities Officer at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “This funding is excellent news for those looking to manage their diabetes, particularly during a lockdown. 

“I am sure plenty of residents will be looking to sign up early in the new year with health and fitness a top priority.”

Cllr Suzi Coul, Cabinet Member for Health and Leisure, said: “There has never been a more important time to exercise and stay healthy.

“GAGH is an excellent initiative for those with diabetes and I would encourage as many as possible to sign up.”