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COVENTRY CHARITY TO ENCOURAGE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY THROUGH NEW COMMUNITY MILE

Coventry charity, Hope Community Projects is launching a new Community Mile in St Michael’s during February half term, after receiving a £3000 grant to deliver a new project encouraging communities to be active together.

The Community Mile event will take place at Gosford Green on the Binley Road on Wednesday 22 February at 11am. Hot drink refreshments available back at the Grub Hub afterwards. It provides that first step to activity for anyone who may otherwise feel exercise is not for them, whether it is walking the dog, pushing the pram, scooting with the kids or simply walking together as family, everyone can join in.

This is an inclusive, wellbeing initiative in partnership with Hope Community Projects to support vulnerable communities. The idea is that the ‘Mile’ is to bring residents together, encouraging more open conversations and improving overall wellbeing and physical activity, all by doing ‘Their Mile, Their Way.’ The mile can be either a weekly one-mile walk, or an equivalent of 15 minutes of activity in a way that feels right for them.

This is set to become a weekly event every Wednesday at 11am and is part of a new programme funded and supported by both The Mason Foundation and Clarion Housing Group in collaboration with Coventry City Council to give individuals the opportunities to take steps towards happier, healthier lives. 

Hope Community Projects run a social supermarket, the Grub Hub, also operating as a registered warm space, and have volunteered to deliver the planned walks in St Michael’s ward. The focus is about supporting vulnerable and minority ethnic families within the community, such as people with low incomes and those with disabilities who are most vulnerable to health inequalities.

 

Cllr Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport, said: “The Community Mile is a fantastic initiative, inclusive of residents of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, and an opportunity for the St Michael’s community to come together.

“It is exactly the type of activity we want to roll out in the city as part of the One Coventry plan, bringing communities together to increase mental and physical wellbeing to improve people’s lives.

“I’m really looking forward to attending the launch and seeing families and individuals come together to take a positive step towards boosting wellbeing and getting active.”

Caroline Taylor, manager at Hope Community Project has lived and worked in St Michael’s for more than 20 years, she said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for people of all abilities and ages to visit their local green space like Gosford Green, get some fresh air, light exercise, and meet new people. I am very proud to be involved with the Community Mile and helping to support the St Michael’s community to come together, take care of their wellbeing and focus on family health and lifestyles. I am sure the Community Mile will be well attended and become a fast community favourite.”

Anna Skeats, CEO of The Mason Foundation, added: “We are delighted to be partnering with Coventry City Council, Clarion Futures and Hope Community Project to deliver our shared mission, supporting and empowering communities, with local people very much at the heart.

“We will be training and supporting local Champions across Coventry to deliver fun and innovative, locally led activities. Through these programmes, we are committed to building happier, healthier, more connected places, that people are proud to call home!”


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