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First gym specifically for Muslim women opens in the UK

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First gym specifically for Muslim women opens in the UK

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Haya Fitness, will ban men - though non-Muslim women are welcome.

Women will be able to ditch their headscarves, hijabs or burkas for workouts at the female-only gym.

Haya has all the usual fitness equipment including treadmills, exercise bikes and weights and it will also feature an onsite prayer room.

The businessman behind the idea for the gym in Cardiff, South Wales, believes there's a gap in the fitness market for Muslim women, who maybe don't feel like they can comfortably attend their local or high street gym.

Outreach worker Mohammed Alamgir said: 'It's a commercial venture for a niche market. It is to encourage this sector of the community to get fit.

'There will be running machines, step and cardio machines, cross trainers and fitness classes.'

He added: 'Once they are in this gym there are no men. In this gym they won't have to have scarves and can wear shorts and T-shirts.

'This is the first gym dedicated to the needs of the Muslim community and has come about from the demands of the Muslim community.

'There are restrictions on Muslim women's ability to get fit. We want to encourage them to be active.'

MORE: 'Do you need the loo?' BBC presenter halts live show to take boy, 6, to the toilet

According to Sport England only 18 per cent of Muslim women take part in sport, compared to 30 per cent of the total female population.

And five years before the figures were as low as 12 per cent - indicating a rise in Muslim women taking up sport and fitness.

In contrast, the figures for Muslim men taking part in sport do not fall below the average for British men as a whole.

Haya Fitness plans on opening later this summer and is currently looking at venues across Cardiff after one possible site fell through.

It will be open to both Muslim and non-Muslim women but no men.

A spokesman for Haya Fitness said: 'Keep supporting us, keep us in your thoughts and we are focusing all our energy on finding a bigger and better location for you.'

MORE: Grandma celebrates her 90th birthday by going skydiving

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First gym specifically for Muslim women to open in the UK

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Haya Fitness, will ban men - though non-Muslim women are welcome. Women will be able to ditch their headscarves, hijabs or burkas for workouts at the female-only gym. Haya has all the usual fitness equipment including treadmills, exercise bikes and weights and it will also feature an onsite prayer room.

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Boxing clubs aiming to tackle knife-crime

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Boxing clubs aiming to tackle knife-crime

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July 23, 2019 | by Matt Halfpenny

Six boxing clubs from across the country have been given £38,900 of Sport England funding to spend on projects to tackle knife crime during the summer school holidays.

Anfield and North Liverpool ABC (Merseyside and Cheshire), Jimmy Egan's ABC (North West), Dwaynamics ABC (London), Aspire ABC (Yorkshire), Rawthorpe ABC (Yorkshire) and Small Heath ABC (Midlands) have been successful in their funding bids for projects that will start this week.

Knife crime has become an increasing problem throughout England, particularly among young people in areas of high economic deprivation.

There were more than 40,000 recorded incidents of knife crime in 2018 - 110 per day - while 285 people lost their lives.

Each club has submitted its own funding bid, with support from England Boxing's team of Club Support Officers.

"These six fantastic projects in knife crime 'hot spots' as identified by the government will do much to address what has been a significant and growing problem over the last few years," said Ron Tulley, England Boxing's Head of Community Development.

"The clubs leading them are in the heart of their communities, and they will be working with young people they know will be most at risk using the power of boxing.

"Young people might not listen if they are given a message by their parents or teachers, but if it comes from a coach in a boxing gym, where their interest has been raised, it is much more powerful."

Boxing clubs have already put together a host of projects to educate young people about the dangers of carrying knives, with a recent England Boxing audit finding at least 63 clubs are participating in some form.

Greater Manchester's Stings Like a Bee project set up earlier this year, for example, has seen 12 clubs in the area come together to share learning and expertise in delivering anti-knife programmes in their respective venues, with the help of £65,000 from charity Maverick Stars Trust.

The funding for this latest round of school summer holiday projects has been made available via Sport England's Small Grants Scheme.

Information on each of the club projects is detailed below.
Anfield and North Liverpool ABC
Anfield and North Liverpool ABC will target young people at risk of engaging in knife crime as part of a multi-sports project at Anfield Sports and Community Centre, which is open daily from 9am to 9pm.

It will offer a wide range of diversionary activities under the guidance of club secretary Alan Walsh and a team of coaches, which has already delivered an anti-knife crime programme in schools across Liverpool.
Jimmy Egan's ABC
The Wythenshawe club will work with young people at risk of engaging in knife crime in Southern Manchester.

It will enable the club gym to extend their opening hours to 4pm to 9pm each evening, while a weekend trip will be provided at the end of the project as a reward to participants.
Dwayanmics ABC
The club is run by the Dwayne Simpson Foundation CIC, which was set up by Lorraine Jones in memory of her son, who was fatally stabbed in Brixton.

It will target young people at risk of engaging in knife crime through boxing sessions and diversionary activities held between 5pm and 8pm - the time when most stabbings occur among young people.
Aspire ABC
Sheffield-based Aspire will work with Sheffield Youth Inclusion Service, which has a centre on the same site as the club's gym that is attended by young people who have been excluded from school.

It will organise boxing sessions and workshops throughout the summer to help prevent participants hanging around in gangs and getting into trouble.
Rawthorpe ABC
The Huddersfield club are working with local youth offender organisations and will run running specific boxing and education sessions for individual gangs.

As the summer goes on, these young people will then be brought together in a bid to build trust and break down barriers between rival gangs, increasing community safety.
Small Heath ABC
The club is available five days a week to provide a safe space for young people to gather who are at risk from the effects of knife crime.

The project aims to create a better understanding of the impact which knife crime has on the communities and citizens of Birmingham, address its root causes and present positive choices to change the beliefs and values for future generations.

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England Boxing clubs to tackle knife crime - England Boxing

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July 23, 2019 | by Matt Halfpenny Anfield and North Liverpool ABC (Merseyside and Cheshire), Jimmy Egan's ABC (North West), Dwaynamics ABC (London), Aspire ABC (Yorkshire), Rawthorpe ABC (Yorkshire) and Small Heath ABC (Midlands) have been successful in their funding bids for projects that will start this week.

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An inner-city London based scheme which aims to get youngsters away from crime and into caring for and riding horses.

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At Ebony we believe that the opportunities you're given shouldn't be limited by the postcode you are brought up in, so in 2011 we build our centre right in the heart of South London, Brixton. Just a stone's throw from the famous 'Electric Avenue' and buzzing Brixton Market, you'll find our stables nestled right between tower blocks and overground lines.

On an average day you'll see a hive of activity if you take a stroll past; lessons in session, yard clean-up, grooming, feeding, friendships being made and of course plenty of pony antics. However, it's what we do as a club outside these regular riding centre activities that sets us apart. Through the work of our youth workers, volunteers and supporters we're able to introduce some fantastic opportunities to our young people, whether that be days out at Ascot Racecourse or Ham Polo Club, to visiting high profile offices in the City of London, hosting guest speakers at workshops or just spending a relaxing day in the countryside. As well as riding and horsemanship, our members are able to further develop key life skills such as communication, empathy and responsibility in safe and enjoyable environment.

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Ebony Horse Club | Changing lives in the heart of Brixton

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At Ebony we believe that the opportunities you're given shouldn't be limited by the postcode you are brought up in, so in 2011 we build our centre right in the heart of South London, Brixton. Just a stone's throw from the famous 'Electric Avenue' and buzzing Brixton Market, you'll find our stables nestled right between tower blocks and overground lines.

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Ellen Rowles from Action PR outlines why physical activity can hold the key to the success of supporting youth offenders...

Statistics from the Youth Justice Board show that last year alone, there were around 950,000 recorded arrests for offences in England and Wales, of which 94,960 were people aged 10-17 years. Their statistics also show that the number of young people arrested has fallen by 13% between March 2014 and March 2015. While offences may have fallen by 73%, offences committed by 10-17-year-olds still account for 10% of all arrests in England and Wales. These statistics show that youth crime is still an issue faced by every community. Local councils must work in partnership with the right organisations to tackle and prevent the problem of youth offending before individuals fall into the criminal justice system.

Evidence suggests that participation in positive activities is a factor in preventing offending, an approach which has been adopted by East Sussex County Council. With the help and support of funding from County Sports Partnership Active Sussex, a wide variety of leisure trusts across the county have worked together to introduce a new 8-week fitness programme for young offenders or those at high risk of offending.

The 'Yot Fit' programme was created specifically to help to reduce the rates of offending in East Sussex, whilst also aiming to increase activity levels amongst young people. The programme was originally piloted through Eastbourne Borough Council's community department, East Sussex Youth Offending Team and the Sovereign Centre - an Eastbourne Leisure Trust facility - thanks to funding from Sport England's Sportivate programme.

Through health promotion, diversionary activity, positive role models and team interaction the programme aims to build a positive group identity. The sessions offer participants a wide range of sporting opportunities, as well as the chance to improve body image and weight management - both of which are common issues for young people, particularly those involved with substance misuse.

Since the original pilot, where over 20 young people were engaged, Active Sussex has funded further projects in the Hailsham and Seahaven areas. The not-for-profit leisure trust Freedom Leisure was invited to join Eastbourne Leisure Trust, as well as Wave Leisure in delivering the programme, whilst extending the offer to those on the cusp of becoming young offenders after consulting with East Sussex County Council Targeted Youth Service.

Freedom Leisure launched the programme at Hailsham Leisure Centre, which it operates in partnership with Wealden District Council, earlier this year. The programme began with an induction, including a centre tour and health check of weight, waist, and height and resting heart rate so that progress could be monitored at the end of the course. All participants were given the opportunity to try out a variety of classes including body pump, circuits, boxercise and swimming at the centre. They also had access to café facilities which allowed for social time and group bonding.

After participants completed the programme they were offered a reduced price membership as an incentive to continue keeping active, and as a reward to young offenders who had behaved appropriately during the course. Many participants who attended the course stated that they would have previously found the expense of a gym membership a barrier to exercise.

"Active Sussex is proud to support such a positive project that highlights the value and impact that sport and physical activity can bring to a young person's life. The project also highlights the benefits of working with a wide coalition of partners to tackle inactivity and pilot effective local delivery," says Sid Fletcher, Sports Projects Officer, Active Sussex. Freedom Leisure has since received further funding to introduce two new 8-week programmes which took place in October this year at Hailsham Leisure centre and at Summerfields Leisure Centre in Hastings.

"We are proud to be working with the council's Youth Offending team and are pleased with how well the pilot project was received by participants," says Freedom Leisure Group Sport Development Manager Richard Bagwell. "We are fully committed to providing a wide range of fitness opportunities for our community. This programme plays a vital role supporting young people to have a more positive attitude and we look forward to continuing the scheme for our local youth."

To date, over 60 young people have been engaged throughout the project, and whilst it's too early to measure the llong-termimpact, the feedback from participants has been hugely positive. Over a third regularly attended courses, and more positive attitudes and behaviours among the young people have been reported. It's clear to see that with further investment, this programme and others similar to it, that physical activity can play a vital role in boosting self-esteem and support young people who are perhaps at risk of offending.
Ellen Rowles
Junior Account Manager

Action PR

ellen@actionpr.co.uk
www.actionpr.co.uk www.twitter.com/_ActionPR

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Do youth offenders benefit from physical activity?

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Statistics from the Youth Justice Board show that last year alone, there were around 950,000 recorded arrests for offences in England and Wales, of which 94,960 were people aged 10-17 years. Their statistics also show that the number of young people arrested has fallen by 13% between March 2014 and March 2015.

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Impact of Physical Activity on Crime and ASB

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Impact of Physical Activity on Crime and ASB

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A report commissioned by the DCMS

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This programme is aimed at people who are at risk of getting involved with crime and anti-social behaviour.

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Senior Cycling offers bicycle tours for seniors & active adults age 50 and up. Whether it be the Florida Keys, Canada, or points in between...We promise you a unique, fun and friendly tour! Our scheduled excursions offer a vast range of experiences.

Senior Cycling has been a hands-on owner-operated touring company for over 16 years.
Learn More.

Our bike tours are structured, but leave plenty of time to see the sights along the way.
View Schedule.

Booking a tour is simple - click on a tour, buy a ticket and get ready for the adventure!
Book A Tour.

Click on this link to learn about our updated policy.

Looking for our past newsletters? You'll find them here.

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Senior & Active Adult Cycling Adventure Tours

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Senior Cycling offers bicycle tours for seniors & active adults age 50 and up. Whether it be the Florida Keys, Canada, or points in between...We promise you a unique, fun and friendly tour! Our scheduled excursions offer a vast range of experiences. Senior Cycling has been a hands-on owner-operated touring company for over 16 years.

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ethiicity

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Use cliffs and hills to set up rock climbing opportunities for young people or at risk of offending so the environment is being used to the advantage

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People with disabilities have role models as they look up to the athletes in the Paralympics. An example of a Paralympian would be Eleanor May Simmonds, as she is a swimmer who suffers from Dwafism.

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Disabled people can compete the Paralympics where many fans will watch bringing in a lot of money

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Keeping people with a disability active and involved in the community. For example finding a sport or activity to be interested in depending on their disability.

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Parasport - to inspire, inform and signpost disabled people and those interested in disability sport to high quality opportunities. Use the Parasport website to find a disability sport or find a local disability sports club.

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//www.tinies.com/our-favourites/ways-to-get-kids-into-sport.html

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©¡Shutterstock.com - YanLev

The Council of Europe defines sport as "all forms of physical activity which, through casual and organised participation, aim at expressing or improving physical fitness and mental well-being, forming social relationships or obtaining results in competition at all levels". Participation in sport can greatly improve health--both physical and mental--of young people as well as promote active citizenship, increase confidence and widen future expectations. You do not have to join a team, simply meeting with your friends regularly to do exercise can be considered a form of sport!
Physical Health
One of the most obvious benefits of sport is increased physical health. At present it is estimated that there are more than 300,000 overweight or obese children on the island of Ireland, with that figure expected to rise by over 10,000 per year. Obesity is only one of many medical conditions that can be significantly helped by participation in sport - others include Heart Disease, Diabetes and Osteoporosis.
Making Friends
Sport is a social activity whether you are participating in a team sport such as Gaelic football or an individual sport. It is a great way for young people to meet each other in a safe environment where similar interests are shared. Friendship and the sense of a common focus encourage feeling of belonging in young people. Studies have shown that individuals who have good social networks usually live longer.
Mental Health
Research has linked participation in sport to positive mental health. Participation in a one-off session of physical activity can reduce anxiety levels and increase feelings of well-being while long term participation can increase self-esteem and self awareness.
Academic Achievement
It is widely believed that participation in sport can increase academic achievement. This theory is based on various factors:

Increased energy derived from fitness

Students more disciplined and competitive

Less disruptive behavior

The appeal of sports-related employment can encourage young people with little academic interest to participate and further their education.

Community Development/Active Citizenship
Some of our most memorable moments in our lifetimes will be sports related - Donegal winning the Sam Maguire, Katie Taylor winning her Olympic gold medal. These are events that stay with us, that give us a common interest, that give young people heroes to aspire to be like. All across Donegal, week in week out, adults give their time freely to help young people achieve their dreams; in turn these same young people help the following generations. The local football, athletics and boxing clubs for example are often at the heart of our communities where adults and young people come together to compete, where friendships are made and ambitions are realised.

Only benefits can be gained from active participation in sport and Donegal is lucky enough to have a vast array of experienced coaches and clubs, ensuring that there is something out there for everyone. Contact us here at the Youth Information Centre if you would like more information about access to clubs and benefits of sport and exercise in your life.

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Benefits of Sport for Young People | European Youth Portal

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©¡Shutterstock.com - YanLev The Council of Europe defines sport as "all forms of physical activity which, through casual and organised participation, aim at expressing or improving physical fitness and mental well-being, forming social relationships or obtaining results in competition at all levels".

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Disabled people can go for walks in the country side and see the views whilst also getting their exercise and preventing them from being stuck inside all day, without it being too difficult

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Giving an opportunity for all people, never mind their background or wealth, everyone can take part.

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parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. parkrun is 5k and takes place every Saturday morning. junior parkrun is 2k, dedicated to 4-14 year olds and their families, every Sunday morning. parkrun is positive, welcoming and inclusive, there is no time limit and no one finishes last.

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DisabilitySport.org.uk is a guide to organised sport and recreational opportunities for people with disabilities at both local and international levels. Our mission is to facilitate access to disability sports by providing information on a wide range of sports and sports organisations focusing on people with hearing, visual, physical and intellectual impairment.

Participation in sports and physical activities brings not only health benefits but it also increases self-confidence and defies stereotypes about people with disabilities and disabilities in general. We therefore strongly support organisations and movements that work on increasing the inclusion of children and adults with disabilities into sports and physical activities, and by providing free access to information on a variety of disability sports-related subjects, seek to contribute not only to the disability sports movement but also to promote the right to equality and equal opportunity for all.

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DisabilitySport.org.uk is a guide to organised sport and recreational opportunities for people with disabilities at both local and international levels. Our mission is to facilitate access to disability sports by providing information on a wide range of sports and sports organisations focusing on people with hearing, visual, physical and intellectual impairment.

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You may be able to get VA disability benefits or compensation if you have a current illness or injury (known as a condition) that affects your body or mind and you meet at least one of the requirements listed below. Both of these must be true.

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If older people enjoy walking more tourists will come over to England to see the views meaning more money

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People travel all across the world to thrill seek and find new physical activities to engage in. The cost of their travel and anything they may have to pay to use the facilities in an area will directly fund the government and that specific activity.

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examples of activities 50+ can do

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Taking part in sport and fitness activities on a weekly basis is important for everybody, no matter how old or young you are. Of course, it becomes increasingly important to remain active in our older years in order to remain fit and healthy.

The NHS report that a lot of adults over the age of 65 spend around 10 hours a day either sitting or laying down, and this lack of activity is causing serious health problems. This lack of mobility can cause you suffer from aches and pains when doing simple things such as walking to the shops as a lack of energy takes over. People who remain active have a lower risk of heart disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes and dementia.

Today's article will firstly look at the sport and fitness guidelines suggested by health experts, before going on to list our top 7 sport and fitness activities for older people. If you're interested in picking up a new hobby, please take a look at our in-depth guide.

NHS Guidelines to Sport and Fitness

According to the NHS, adults aged over 65 who are generally fit, with no health conditions, should try and do at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week and strength exercises on two or more days a week which work all of the major muscles in your body.

Examples of moderate aerobic activity include:

Alternatively, you should aim for 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity (singles tennis or running) and strength exercises on two or more days a week that work the major muscles in your body.

A third option is to take part in a mix of moderate and vigorous aerobic activity each week. As an example:

Two 30-minute runs plus 30 minutes of brisk walking equates to 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity, and strength exercises on two or more days a week that work all the major muscles."

The same guidelines are given to those aged between 19 and 64. Let's look at 7 great examples of sport and fitness activities for older people:

Swimming gives the body a complete workout, both muscular and cardiovascular, in what can be considered as a fun sport and fitness activity.

You burn more calories and build up more muscle mass during a swimming session because of the resistance that the water gives - it is around 800 times denser than air. As your muscles are worked so much harder in the pool, your heart and lungs must work harder to pump oxygen around the body and therefore improves your cardiovascular health.

Swimming is an ideal activity if you suffer from arthritis as the water can take up to 90% of the body's weight. This means that you will have less painful movements in affected joints as well as toning up the supporting muscles.

As going for a swim can be quite enjoyable, it will also improve your general mood. It can also improve your social life as you become a regular at the leisure centre, meeting new people who enjoy swimming as much as you do.

There are other sport and fitness activities that take place in swimming pools as well, such as water polo and aqua aerobics.
Find out more about the benefits of Swimming.
According to British Cycling, cycling's governing body, more than two million people across the country now cycle at least three times a week. Going for a bike ride is a great way of keeping in shape, reducing the risk of chronic illnesses in the process, as well as being a great form of transport to the shops or to work.

Riding a bike burns more calories than going for a jog and also has less impact on your joints, especially the knees, as you are putting less pressure on them. Cycling works the whole body and can help you lose weight in the process, whilst keeping all your joints moving in a fun, outdoor workout.

As we know from the guidelines mentioned above, cycling for at least 150 minutes every week will improve your overall cardiovascular fitness. There are a number of cycling clubs across the country which you can join - which can combat loneliness as you make more friends.

Alongside the health benefits, cycling will also help to save you money. You can ride your bike as form of transport, rather than using the petrol in your car or paying for a bus or taxi. One less car on the road also helps the environment.

Discover more benefits of cycling.

Depending on your physical condition you may want to start playing football again. Walking football has really taken off since its creation in 2011 and may be more appealing to the older generation.

The game is specifically for those over the age of 50, who may have believed that their footballing days were over. The rules are similar to that of a five-a-side game except of course for the most important rule: NO RUNNING. If any player is caught running, then the other team receives a free-kick.

Walking football gives you the chance to play the beautiful game with a twist and still helps to keep your legs moving in a good cardiovascular workout - without the fear of over doing it and putting your health at risk.
Find out more about Walking Football.
Squash is an indoor racket sport which gives the whole body a great workout. Played in a four-walled court with a small, hollow rubber ball and the aim is to hit the ball against the walls in a way in-which the opposition cannot return the ball.

You can burn an average of 500 calories within half an hour of playing. You will be running and jumping for the ball, meaning that all your joints will be given a good workout. Taking part in a racket sport such as squash can reduce your risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes.

As it is a two or four-player game, squash is also a sociable game that you can play with friends or encounter new people who have a common interest.
Learn more about the rules and benefits of playing squash.
It may come as a surprise to some of you, but golf is actually a good sport for the body. A game of golf gets you out in the fresh air and provides you with a great brain workout.

Golf takes place on a huge course meaning that you will be doing plenty of walking on your trip to the club. Most courses are not flat either, so you will be doing uphill walks along your journey to the next hole. Going for a walk is great for the body, but with a game of golf you are doing so much more than that.

Your muscles also receive a workout and you can improve your flexibility, balance and core strength during a game. The more swings you take with a golf club the more strength you are building up within your arms and core as your twist your body. The movement as you take a shot is of a huge benefit to your body as you get older. Of course, carrying your golf clubs also gives your muscles a workout along the way.

Golf also gives the brain a workout as concentration is key to hitting the right shot at the right time. Your brain does plenty of thinking during a game of golf as you memorise each hole and the correct club to use. This is perfect in the battle against possible dementia.
Find out more about the benefits of playing golf.
Walking is so easy to add to your everyday schedule and has so many health benefits that you would be crazy not to take part. Going on a walk can get the blood pumping around your body without putting too much unnecessary strain on your cardiovascular system, leading to a decrease in the risk of a stroke.

Not only that, but it also helps to keep your high blood pressure in check and can also boost your heart's overall performance. As with all forms of exercise, walking will also help you to burn those calories and lose weight.

Walking has also been proven to help with your mood and mental health. There is nothing better than going for a nice walk in the countryside to help clear your mind and brighten your mood. Going for a walk with friends also helps boost your social life, and there are plenty of walking groups across the country too.

Read more about the benefits of walking.

If you're looking for something a little more intense than regular walking, Nordic Walking may be for you. This activity provides you with a full body workout, as you walk through the city or countryside with specially-designed walking poles.

The poles are used are used in a way that harnesses the power of the upper body to propel you forward as you walk. Nordic Walking can help you burn up to 46% more calories than regular walking and also helps to improve your posture and gait.

Again, like regular walking, there are groups around the country that have instructors on-hand to help you get to grips with this form of walking.

Find out more about Nordic Walking and its benefits.

Remember to have a medical with your doctor before starting a new sport and fitness hobby, and take it slow and steady when you begin. It's better to gradually improve your ability and fitness, rather than going in too hard and injuring yourself.

Personal Alarm Information

For more information about our life-saving personal alarm service, please get in touch with our friendly team on 0800 999 0400. Alternatively, complete our contact us form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Remember to use the discount code BLOG2018 when you order one of our personal alarm systems on a Monthly or Annual Plan to receive £10 off.

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7 Sport and Fitness Activities for Older People | Lifeline24

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Taking part in sport and fitness activities on a weekly basis is important for everybody, no matter how old or young you are. Of course, it becomes increasingly important to remain active in our older years in order to remain fit and healthy.

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The overall health for people with conditions will increase resulting in less people going to hospital or the doctors.

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Old people can go for walks meaning less issues for the nhs to take care of

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It helps you lose weight

Being active is especially important as we get older and our metabolism slows down, making us more likely to put on weight.

The only way to lose weight is to use up more energy than we take in, and a daily walk can help to burn off some of those calories.

It keeps your heart strong

Brisk walking can help to keep your heart strong by increasing your heart rate. It can also reduce your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.

It reduces your risk of cancer

Physical activity can reduce your risk of developing some cancers, including breast, bowel and womb cancer.

It reduces your risk of Type 2 diabetes

There are 4.7 million people living with diabetes in the UK. Most of these cases are Type 2 diabetes, which is more likely to affect adults and those who are overweight or obese.

However, you can reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes with regular exercise and a healthy diet.

It strengthens your bones

Walking can help to prevent the onset of osteoporosis, which makes bones brittle and more likely to break.

It improves your mood and mental wellbeing

Being outside in the fresh air has been linked to better mental wellbeing and reduced stress. Regular exercise can even help to relieve depression.

Walking can also be a social activity when done in a group or with friends, so it can help to tackle feelings of isolation or loneliness.

It reduces your risk of dementia

Being physically active and leading a healthy lifestyle could reduce your risk of developing dementia.

For people with dementia, regular activity can improve their strength and flexibility, ensure better sleep, and some studies suggest it may improve memory and slow the progression of the condition.

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Walk your way to health | Walking tips and advice | Age UK

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It helps you lose weight Being active is especially important as we get older and our metabolism slows down, making us more likely to put on weight. The only way to lose weight is to use up more energy than we take in, and a daily walk can help to burn off some of those calories.

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Ethnic people have some role models to look up to for sport, Alireza Jahanbakhsh is an Iranian football player and is a good role model for young Iranian players too look up to

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Engage with more people rather than spend all their time after retirement at home.

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Alleviate work pressures and reduce workplace stress

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Alleviate work pressures and reduce workplace stress

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Employed people who may be at risk of social isolation can find enjoyment through sports after work, this will help take their mind off of what’s going on outside of the activity as once you’re engaging you seem to forget the world around you momentarily

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Building something such as a walking or bike trail would mean the area could not be built over therefore keeping the green space.

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To keep people with a cultural background involved in the community.

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Community cohesion
in and through PE and sport

Racial tension is nothing new but the events of the last few years, including 9/11 and 7/7, combined with increased media coverage and animosity about immigration have created heightened levels of misunderstanding, racism and isolation affecting many ethnic minority groups in the UK and elsewhere.

The aim of community cohesion is to help people find ways to better understand, accept and get along with each other. It's about recognising difference and celebrating diversity but it is also about recognising sameness and what people in a local community have in common with each other. Ultimately it's about reducing inter-ethnic tensions and aggression in our communities and helping to prevent extremist views developing, while at the same time encouraging and enabling cross-ethnic cooperation and friendships.

But community cohesion is not just about ethnicity, it can also be about girls and boys, men and women, disabled and non-disabled people, young and old, the well-off and the underprivileged all living, working and playing alongside each other in a co-operative, productive and peaceful way.

Thoughtfully led physical activities and play are not only great levellers but they are FUN! In an inclusive environment where the ball is more important than the difference between two people, tensions often ease and cohesion can begin.

By playing together in carefully managed situations people will create cross-ethnic allegiances and begin to realise that difference need not divide a group and that the physical need not be violent. Then, while taking a rest from the activity, leaders will find a great opportunity for people to discuss issues around understanding, tolerance and cooperation. Having played together people often see each other in a new light and relate to each other in a more positive, cooperative and friendly way.

I can help prepare your staff to run cohesive physical activity sessions, including play but also discussion sessions on difference, diversity, understanding, tolerance and respect. And I also offer workshops for your young people to help them get started.

You will gain:

An understanding of the bases for community cohesion and social tolerance.

An introduction to techniques designed to improve youngsters' understanding of each other and increase their acceptance and respect for each other.

Ideas on how to challenge stereotypes and racist/exclusive language or behaviour.

Ways to use physical activities to address these issues.

The ability to ensure your physical activities are inclusive as well as cohesive.

A chance to share good practice with other practitioners.

A plan for action and the confidence to put it into practice.

I can help you work on community cohesion in and through PE and sport in the following ways:

One-day courses

Shorter / twilight sessions

Practical sessions

Courses for ITT or sports development students

Workshops with young people from diverse backgrounds

Workshops for 'A' level, GCSE, JSLA, CSLA students

New forms of in-house consultancy / CPD:

Whole department, on-site inclusion training

Advice / guidance / consultancy

In-house research or surveys

Research supervision

To book or for more information:

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Community cohesion in and through PE and sport

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Community cohesionin and through PE and sport Racial tension is nothing new but the events of the last few years, including 9/11 and 7/7, combined with increased media coverage and animosity about immigration have created heightened levels of misunderstanding, racism and isolation affecting many ethnic minority groups in the UK and elsewhere.

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young people reduce the cost on the NHS

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It can be limited by how much they have to pay for their medical issues

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bringing old people together

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keeping youth away from crimes

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26 February 2018 - Sports can contribute immensely to improving people's physical and psychological health. They also present the world with a universal language and a sense of belonging and support. In promoting mutual respect and tolerance, sports teaches important social and interpersonal skills. Using sports to help people, especially youth, has proven to be an effective tool in keeping them from falling into a cycle of anti-social behaviour, violence, crime and drug use.

With the creation of the Doha Declaration Global Programme, UNODC developed the Youth Crime Prevention component to engage children and youth in sports-based life skills training.

Under the slogan of " Line Up, Live Up," UNODC designed a sports-based teaching method to provide young people with essential life skills that have proven to enhance their resilience against crime, violence and drug use. Girls and boys between the ages of 13 and 18 are trained on ways to cope with common challenges emotional and psychological stress, and educated to sharpen their critical thinking, decision making and problem-solving skills. Line Up, Live Up teaches them more effective communication skills, deeper self-awareness and increased empathy, and, just as importantly, helps them reinforce their refusal skills - saying no to substance use or to criminal activities.

For ten sessions of an hour each, over the course of several weeks, girls and boys partake in various games, an array of physical activities, and, importantly, a debriefing, winding down session to share experiences and lessons learned.

Thanks to the generous contribution by the State of Qatar to the Programme, UNODC has already trained some 150 sports coaches and trainers in Brazil, Kyrgyzstan and South Africa, who themselves have engaged with and coached nearly 1,000 youngsters. With the training curriculum already available in English, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese and Russian, the program is in the process of being extended to seven additional countries.

UNODC's Youth Crime Prevention initiative not only directly helps schools, youth centres and young people; it also more advocates for the more innovative use of sports in the context of youth crime prevention. Demonstrations of the Line Up, Live Up curriculum have been made to a variety of audiences over the last year, from policymakers in Austria, to some 2,000 participants in sports tournaments in South Africa and Kyrgyzstan. In addition, UNODC arranged roundtable discussions on peacebuilding with sports experts and young people in Brazil, and brought together youth from both sides of the Tajikistan-Kyrgyzstan border to play sports together.

At the recent celebrations of the National Sports Day in Doha, Qatar, Oliver Stolpe, UNODC's programme manager responsible for the implementation of the Doha Declaration Global Programme, stressed that "sports are an essential component of our modern society's goals, and it was only a matter of time UNODC leaned on them in its global mission to advance crime prevention."

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un un united united nations nations office on drugs and crime office on drugs and crime

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Sports, Keeping Youth Away from Crime Sports can contribute immensely to improving people's physical and psychological health. They also present the world with a universal language and a sense of belonging and support. In promoting mutual respect and tolerance, sports teaches important social and interpersonal skills.

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if at risk people get into sport they might want to buy sporting gear

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getting old people back to the community

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Community cohesion describes the ability of all communities to function and grow in harmony together rather than in conflict. It aims to build communities where people feel confident that they belong and are comfortable mixing and interacting with others, particularly with people from different ethnic backgrounds or people of a different faith. Building cohesion within and between communities is an essential step towards improving people's quality of life. Viewed from outside, a cohesive community is one in which people will want to live and invest.

Key indicators of community cohesion relate to how people feel about their local area. It can therefore be used as a measure of how well different minority and majority communities develop and relate to each other. Communities may define themselves by neighbourhood, ethnicity or culture, age group, faith, sexual orientation, language, gender or other characteristics or interests.

The process of integration is about helping positive relationships to develop between different groups, towards a shared understanding and common values. Integration is important because of the pace of change in our communities - particularly in relation to demographic change. Where there is no integration negative myth and rumour can dominate.

Within Wrexham County Borough the most significant recent challenge for our communities has been changes to our demographic composition resulting from:

Economic migration;

Increased numbers of overseas students at Glyndŵr University;

Wrexham as a dispersal area for Asylum Seekers.

While these changes have enriched our communities by bringing new skills and talents they have also provided a challenge to service providers and to community relations.

Useful External Websites

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Wrexham County Borough Council, Guildhall, Wrexham LL11 1AY, UK. contact-us@wrexham.gov.uk

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Community cohesion describes the ability of all communities to function and grow in harmony together rather than in conflict. It aims to build communities where people feel confident that they belong and are comfortable mixing and interacting with others, particularly with people from different ethnic backgrounds or people of a different faith.

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Disabled people playing sport will decrease the amount of money the NHS has to spend due to if they're being active this will help them and decrease the NHS workload and spending.

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more people starting a new sport means high sales of equipment

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careers for young people

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Running for over 27 years, Fit For Sport's Kids Holiday Activity Camps are designed to engage all children from 4-12 years old through multi-sports, games, and arts and crafts so that they can make friends and keep active throughout the holiday.

Fit for Sport's Ofsted-registered Holiday Activity Camps are run by trained professionals to provide school holiday childcare within a safe, supportive and fun environment. Our Holiday Activity Camps run during every school holiday.
Extended School Day
Fit For Sport have been providing OFSTED registered before and after school provision in primary schools for over 27 years. Running every day during term time, the Extended School Clubs are designed to engage all children in multi-sports, games, and arts and crafts to keep them active throughout their school day.
When will I work?
Positions are available at our centres across the UK all year round in our Extended Schools programmes and each school holiday for our Kids Holiday Activity Camps. Our Extended Schools programme offers flexibility to work breakfast, lunch, after school sports clubs and extended schools multi-activity clubs or a combination of any of these sessions around your other commitments, whilst our Holiday Activity Camps allow you to work from one to 7 weeks at a time dependant on the school break and your preferred commitment. You can work in one or both programmes as you chose ono a Casual, Fixed hours, Part-time or Permanent Basis - You chose!
What We're Looking For
Our Activity Leaders come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and cover a variety of specialisms including;

Activity Assistant - unqualified with some experience of working with children

Activity Leader - qualified with some experience of working with children

Activity Leader - Childcare (qualified)

Activity Leader - PE (Sports Coaching or PE qualified)

Activity Leader - Lunch cover

You will share our common values and objective to get children leading a Healthy and Active lifestyle. All our Activity Leaders from non-qualified, catering to PE help plan and deliver multi-activities to children in our camps and/or schools. It's hard work and you'll need to be reliable, punctual and involved during all sessions. Due to the nature of working with children no mobile phones are permitted during working hours so please bear this in mind. However, you'll find a position to suit you whether you're looking for a rewarding career or simply a one-off exciting camp adventure, Fit For Sport have positions for everyone's skills and talents.
What We Offer
At Fit For Sport we realise that hard work and commitment should be rewarded, so we provide our staff with not only a competitive salary, but also:

Paid Holiday

Reward and Recognition Scheme

Family Discount

Cycle to Work Scheme

Branded (Tailor Made or Kukri) Uniform

Bonus and/or commission on Marketing activities (role dependent)

Weekends Off!

The opportunity to work overtime at special events such as School Sports Days, Athletics Events, Charity Outreach Programmes and Promotional Events

Most importantly, we support all our staff with a scheduled e-learning in Common Core, Safeguarding, HR, Policies and Processes as well as a full Induction programme, training days and onboarding to help you start your career with Fit For Sport from day one.

Your Career Development
If you wish to take your career one step further, then why not check out our career development schemes with training and development for;

Apprenticeships

Paediatric First Aid Course

Site Manager Training course (fast track development course for those wishing to move into a Management)

PE - Physical Education delivery

Our experienced and long serving management team who have worked their way through the ranks can support you in meeting your careers goals. Whether you are looking to start an apprenticeship or wanting to become a qualified Physical Education delivery specialist, we can train you, so you make the most of your time with Fit For Sport.
Who Would It Suit?
A job with Fit For Sport is ideal for anyone looking for active, exciting employment, in an enjoyable and rewarding setting, whether you are wishing to start or further your childcare, sports, or outdoor industry career, or maybe you simply want to work with like-minded people in a supportive environment where the emphasis is on Active Fun!

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Running for over 27 years, Fit For Sport's Kids Holiday Activity Camps are designed to engage all children from 4-12 years old through multi-sports, games, and arts and crafts so that they can make friends and keep active throughout the holiday.

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Medical conditions can cut down opportunities a lot as some jobs for example plumbing and building will need strength and power when lifting heavy objects

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Entering the job market after leaving education can prove a tough challenge for anyone in today's climate. However, young people with disabilities face far fewer options for employment than non-disabled candidates.

Across the UK, only 6% of young people with learning difficulties are in employment, and according to Disability Rights UK, employees with disabilities earn nearly £1 an hour less than non-disabled workers. What's more, a Department for Education Green Paper Support and Aspiration found less than one in 20 people with a mental or physical disability are in paid employment.

The 2010 Equality Act was brought into practice partly to prevent discrimination against disabled people in the workplace. Yet disabled workers are often still unfairly treated. So what more must be done to ensure best practice?
The challenges facing disabled employees in the UK today
Liz Sayce is Chief Executive of Disability Rights UK, an organisation committed to enabling equal participation for people with disabilities. Eighty-six per cent of the Board at Disability Rights UK have personal experience of a disability or a long-term health condition, as do 60% of staff. They promote inclusivity in schools, workplaces and communities. Sayce believes it's the fear of facing discrimination that puts many people with disabilities off applying for particular roles. "Some disabled people have applied for hundreds of jobs - and only got interviews when they don't mention their disability," she explains.

At the same time, the reputation of a company or organisation can be to blame. "If the company is viewed as non-diverse and inflexible, with no evidence of employing disabled people, the anxiety about whether you will be accepted is magnified," Sayce says.

Theresa Nelson, Chief Officer for Workforce Development at Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, adds that the recruitment process itself can sometimes become a barrier, when there is a lack of flexibility or adaptation to meet the needs of an applicant with disabilities. "Adapting job descriptions so they are easier to understand, working on alternative interview formats and setting roles into smaller, manageable tasks has helped a lot," says Nelson.

According to Sayce, there is still a culture prevailing in some workplaces in which people don't feel comfortable being open about their health condition or disability. "People are afraid they will be wrongly viewed as less capable, passed over for promotion or even lose their job," she explains.

"Breaking down such stereotypes is a huge challenge," Nelson adds. "Despite progress there's no escaping that for some, there's a stigma and a public misconception that young people with disabilities will be less competent or cost more to employ."

At the same time, many disabled employees face reluctance from employers to make any adjustments to their workplace, however necessary. This resistance can undermine those working with disabilities and discourage them from applying to work in certain institutions. "There's a fear that organisations, teams and individuals may not be equipped with skills or knowledge to support them," says Nelson. Sayce agrees, adding: "some employers don't know how to make workplace adjustments - from IT adaptations to working with someone who has a PA or interpreter - and don't have access to ready advice on how best to accommodate individuals." This reduces the opportunities available to workers with disabilities.
How can companies and organisations encourage people with disabilities to join their workforce?
Sayce explains that if employers recruit and promote on the basis of strength and potential - rather than qualifications or experience which is not entirely necessary to the role - they will help attract and retain talented workers with disabilities.

Birmingham Children's Hospital, where Nelson works, offers training and employment opportunities to young people who are disadvantaged. Its Aspire programme has a close relationship with Calthorpe Academy, a local school that supports young people with special educational needs. "Aspire helps people develop skills that can be used in the workplace," explains Nelson. "We look to build confidence, assertiveness, life skills and support positive health and wellbeing, which we believe prepares these young people to live independently." The programme has proven successful to date, seeing eight young people with learning disabilities into paid positions within the hospital, and the Aspire model has been shared with other NHS institutions and further afield.

One beneficiary of the Aspire scheme is 18-year-old Rahim Khan, a Calthorpe Academy student with autism. Through Aspire, Khan now works in the Audiology Department at Birmingham Children's Hospital, sending reports, working on infection control and looking after stock. "I'm shy and nervous so it's really helped having a job coach with me to support me in Audiology," he says. Khan also believes it's important companies adapt the recruitment process to aid those applying with disabilities. "Adapting interviews is important...my interview was less formal but I was still asked questions," he explains.

Schemes like Aspire also benefit the company or organisation running them, believes Nelson. She says: "Teamwork across the hospital has significantly improved as people find different ways to communicate and engage with each other ... when you bring all these things together you create a powerful force to share knowledge, change perceptions and create a truly inclusive organisation."

While it might not be easy to initiate an inclusion scheme in your workplace, Sayce insists the first step is to find a way of being proactive. "This might mean setting a goal for how many disabled people you want to recruit and then going for it," she says, also suggesting other helpful options such as drawing links with schools, offering mentoring schemes or interview practice to students with disabilities. Sayce also stresses the importance of being flexible, for example offering part-time apprenticeships over a longer period if this fits better with the candidate's needs. "Show leadership on the issue," she says. "Having senior people speak about their own experience of disability and about the value to the company of being inclusive gives an important signal right through the organisation," she adds.

The importance of nurturing a diverse workforce

Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of the NHS says: "The NHS is now taking concrete action to employ people with a learning disability. Hospitals and community health services are increasingly realising that if we get our recruitment and employment of people with learning disabilities right, it's everyone who benefits."

Nelson and her team at Birmingham Children's Hospital, working on the Aspire programme, are already seeing the positive impact it has. "We know from feedback from families visiting our hospital that seeing a young person (with disabilities) working can offer a sense of inspiration and hope for their own futures, as it shows there are opportunities out there," she says.

Sayce agrees, explaining that to her, a diverse workforce is one which sees different perspectives brought together, helping a company or organisation keep ahead. "The experience of disability, in particular, often means people develop resilience, problem solving, empathy and creativity," she adds, pointing out that Disability Rights UK is keen to help organisations that want to improve their employment of disabled people.
Coping with discrimination and seeking support
If you've faced discrimination in the workplace because of mental or physical disabilities, it's important to remember there are organisations out there which can help. "Seek advice on your rights," suggests Sayce. "Seek support from others who have been through similar experiences: for instance, through a peer support group ... or peer mentoring."

At the same time, if you've interviewed for a role but have been unsuccessful, Nelson believes it's important to seek interview feedback, and also try to link up with someone in the same position, who has been successful. "Hearing about the journeys of others ... can both educate and inspire," she says.

What changes could be made to further support disabled workers in the future?

In Khan's experience, the lack of understanding around how people with disabilities think and feel about their employment options is a key contributor to why so few people with disabilities work in paid roles. "There can be a lot of negative attitudes and lack of confidence when dealing with people with learning disabilities," he explains.

So, what could be done to help?

Sayce believes government policies could be used to incentivise companies and organisations to employ more people with disabilities, ensuring employers have access to advice when they need it. "We would like to see more co-ordinated support for disabled people who are self-employed, including through business and research loans and grants, and effective support through the Access to Work programme," she says, adding that better enforcement of the Equality Act is fundamental, too.

Nelson adds: "The one thing we'd also stress to anyone thinking of doing something in their workplace or organisation is that it's okay to start small ... we have been fortunate enough to see young people (with disabilities) develop from first requiring support from a job coach, to go on to work independently and, for some, travelling to work on their own," she says. "For these young people this is such an achievement."

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disabilities in the workplace: are we failing our disabled workforce?

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Disabilities in the workplace: are we failing our disabled workforce? | Guardian Jobs

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Disabled employees are often still discriminated against in the workplace, and earn less than non-disabled workers. Guardian Jobs spoke to Disability Rights UK and representatives from the NHS to understand how companies and organisations could support disabled workers in the future.

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Behaviour modification such as enhancing self-regulating abilities or developing problem-solving abilities as a result of the skills needed in the activity. Adventurous activities such as climbing or gliding can also provide a positive avenue for expressing a desire to take risks (something which can drive antisocial behaviour and crime).

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sport could help people with social skills, getting jobs and keeping them off the streets

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If they're overall more healthy then less will go to the doctors and hospital.