A Somerset charity is launching a new campaign to encourage physical activity.
The Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) is starting the Take the First Step campaign to help people overcome barriers to becoming more active and to encourage them to build new habits.
The campaign aims to provide support and guidance to individuals struggling to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives.
SASP is a charitable trust and a member of the nationwide network of 43 Active Partnerships, with a mission of transforming lives through sport and physical activity.
The charity is looking for volunteers to share their stories as they navigate the process of fitting healthy movement into their lives.
The hope is that these stories will inspire others facing similar challenges.
SASP is seeking adults living in Somerset who want to feel fitter and more active but have been struggling to make it happen.
The campaign is open to those who may be dealing with work schedules, caring responsibilities, long-term health conditions, disabilities, or simply having difficulty finding the right activity.
Participants will be required to commit to a minimum six-month programme run by SASP's health coach team.
The programme will explore individual motivations, interests, and the obstacles faced when trying to become more active.
Participants will need to be available for an hour every two weeks to check in and talk to the coaches.
The charity is looking for people who may not currently be very motivated but are ready and willing to make small changes.
The coaches will help to tailor the programme to fit each individual's unique situation.
To take part in the programme, individuals must be over 18 and safe to try a small increase in physical activity.
However, those who have been advised by their doctor not to exert themselves at all, including those who have had recent surgery, recent heart attacks or strokes, or have unstable angina, will not be able to participate at this time.
Interested individuals can find more information and complete an expression of interest form on the SASP website.
The campaign encourages individuals to identify their personal values as the first step towards making meaningful changes.
By aligning activities with personal values, individuals are more likely to stick to a plan and feel a sense of satisfaction.
The campaign promotes a range of values, from being energetic and active, enjoying new experiences, and prioritising health, to being a fun grandparent, being independent, taking care of mental health, enjoying nature, and thriving in competition.
The SASP is dedicated to increasing the health and happiness of Somerset residents through physical activity and sport.
The charity understands that knowing the benefits of moving more is just the first step.
The next steps, such as figuring out what to do, fitting it into daily life, and finding the motivation to keep it up, can often feel overwhelming.
The SASP aims to simplify this process with easy techniques based on brain science.
The Take the First Step campaign is designed to help individuals find the person they want to be and support them in making that change.
As the campaign launches, SASP hopes to inspire more Somerset residents to embrace a more active lifestyle, improving both physical and mental well-being.
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