People living with long-term health conditions can continue to count on a “class leading” tailored exercise programme, councillors have confirmed.
Published: Tuesday, 18th July 2023
The Move Together initiative has brought profound benefits to its 1,500 participants in Cherwell district, with 85 per cent reporting improved mobility and 69 per cent saying their anxiety or depression improved.
At a meeting of Cherwell District Council on Monday 17 July, members endorsed a motion which commended this and other active lifestyle initiatives and pledged to continue to give them financial backing in the future.
It comes after news on Friday that Move Together has been named as a APSE Service Awards Finalist by the Association for Public Service Excellence.
The motion was proposed by Councillor Nigel Simpson, Portfolio Holder for Sport and Leisure. Cllr Simpson said: “Cherwell District Council continues to excel in its delivery of award-winning active lifestyle programs including Move Together and You Move, which are recognised nationally as class leading initiatives.
“We are all aware of the benefits, both mentally and physically that these projects have provided to numerous residents in Cherwell especially in our most deprived areas. I am delighted that the council is receiving recognition from the Association for Public Service Excellence for leading the way on these initiatives and that it will be dedicating resources and continued funding to them in the future.”
Move Together is a local health initiative that supports Oxfordshire residents with long-term health and mental health conditions by providing them with tailored exercise programmes, telephone support, and discounts at leisure centres to help them improve their health and wellbeing.
In north Oxfordshire it is managed and co-ordinated by Cherwell District Council working in partnership with Active Oxfordshire.
Cherwell has the highest take-up rate in the county, with 37 per cent of all referrals in Oxfordshire coming from the district.
You Move is another Oxfordshire-wide exercise initiative and has its roots in Cherwell as the former FAST initiative. It offers free and low-cost activities for families whose children receive free school meals.
You Move families can enjoy a diverse range of activities including swimming, badminton, activity packs, gym passes, and children’s holiday activities.
Click below to find out more about the two programmes: