£1m programme aims to help improve health

Aug 18 2008 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

A MAJOR £1m pro- gramme is being launched in Knows- ley to increase exer- cise, improve mental wellbeing and encour- age healthier eating.

The funding, supported by an £800,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund, will start eight projects over the next four years that will help improve the physical and mental health of residents.

Knowsley PCT says the programme, entitled Target: Wellbeing in Knowsley, will benefit thousands of residents by offering them an opportunity to get involved in a broad range of projects to improve their health.

Activities will include free dance classes and a project to encourage more people to take up bike riding.

The official launch of the programme will take place at the Knowsley Health and Well-Being Partnership Annual Meeting today at Huyton Civic Suite.

The event, which begins at 10am, is open to the public and will give residents the chance to see demonstrations of the projects on offer.

Rosemary Hawley MBE, chair of Knowsley PCT and the Heath and Well-Being Partnership said: “This programme makes available innovative activities to give residents a chance to improve physical and mental health in an enjoyable way, regardless of age or ability.”