Exercise has many benefits - such as strengthening bones and muscles, improving mood, boosting self-esteem, and managing weight. The Get Up and Go (GUAG) programme provides exercise to residents within the Havant Borough aged 18 or over who have physical and/or mental health conditions. It has been running for four years and has successfully seen 630 people register since February 2023.
In summer 2023, GUAG ran a range of fun courses and activities for residents, helping to improve their physical and mental health. More than 350 people took part during the summer, and all activities are expected to return next year. One of the most popular activities was coastal rowing, with a total of six courses and more than 40 participants.
After taking the course, many residents have now joined the rowing club and continue to enjoy its benefits. One participant said "I thoroughly enjoyed the coastal rowing and then decided to join the sea swimming group. I now swim in the sea regularly and plan to try and continue through the winter as it makes me feel much more energetic. I have also been cycling there and back!
Other popular courses included stand up paddleboarding, yoga, and Pilates. Paddleboarding, which was attended by more than 50 participants, was particularly successful as every participant was able to stand up on the board by the end of the course.
Councillor Gwen Robinson, Cabinet lead for Housing and Communities, said "it's great to hear that so many residents have already taken part in the Get Up and Go activities. It is a great way to introduce yourself to an activity that you may not have tried before."
"These courses take place throughout the year and I urge anyone thinking of starting a new activity to visit the website for more details."
Many more activities are expected to continue throughout Autumn, with many available at a heavily discounted price. These include:
|
What? |
When? |
Where? |
Price? |
|
Women's low impact circuit training |
Mondays at 4pm |
Wellbeing Hub |
From £24 (six week course) |
|
Intro to Yoga |
Mondays at 5pm |
Waterlooville Community Centre |
£6 |
|
Walking netball |
Tuesdays at 11am |
Havant Leisure Centre |
First free, then £3 |
|
Pilates |
Tuesdays at 12pm |
Havant Plaza |
First free, then £5 |
|
Steady and Strong (older adults) |
Tuesdays at 2pm |
Emsworth Community Centre |
First free, then £5 |
|
Men's low impact circuit training |
Wednesdays at 11am |
Wellbeing Hub |
From £24 (six week course) |
|
Multi sports club |
Thursdays at 1:30pm |
Havant Leisure Centre |
First free, then £2.20 |
|
History and Flora and Fauna walks |
Monthly (next walk Tuesday 3 October at 10am) |
Staunton Country Park |
Free |
In addition to these activities, Get Up and Go also operates a Wellbeing Walks programme. These walks are led by trained volunteers and vary from 10 – 90 minutes. To find out more, visit https://www.getupandgohavant.com/wellbeing-walks
Get Up and Go is run by Hampshire County Council, in partnership with Havant Borough Council.