RESIDENTS from South Somerset towns have been taking part in new exercise classes thanks to a Lottery funding boost.

Over the past seven months, inactive people from Chard, Ilminster, Broadway and Crewkerne have been taking part in the new healthy living initiative called Click into Activity.

The scheme, spearheaded by South Somerset District Council, was awarded £194,480 from Sport England’s Get Healthy Get Active fund, and has seen more than 100 people with diabetes, pre-diabetes and high blood pressure taking part.

People are referred to the sessions by their GP, and the free sessions help otherwise inactive people exercise, and promote a healthier way of living.

One of the people taking part is Dan Kirk, and he said the sessions had made him feel “more alive”.

He said: “Prior to being involved with this project I would say that my activity levels were minimal, I am now actively enjoying something every day, whether that is Click into Activity sessions, other activity classes or simply spending some time walking.

“I am now feeling more flexible, healthier and I would go as far as to say I am feeling more alive.

“The group has a fantastic social dynamic, I have met a lot of people and made new friends whilst becoming more active at the same time.

“I really think this project is good for everyone who can take advantage of the free sessions and if I can help make a difference in people’s lives in my role as a volunteer, then that’s what I’d like to do. You might as well give it a go – you have nothing to lose.’’ Sam Wenden-de-Lira, healthy lifestyles officer at South Somerset District Council, said: “Click into Activity is giving local GP surgeries the opportunity to offer healthy lifestyle support to inactive patients.

“Once GPs have identified eligible patients who would benefit from an increase in their activity levels they are then offered 12 weeks of free activity sessions. “These include moderate intensity sports sessions. exercise classes and walking groups.

“If you think you meet the criteria you can arrange an appointment with one of our Click into Activity Exercise Specialists at the participating surgeries in Chard, Ilminster, Broadway or Chard or mention Click into Activity when visiting your GP.”

The project is being evaluated by researchers from the Public Health and Wellbeing Research Group based at the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol.

Led by Professor Jane Powell, researchers will measure and evaluate whether Click into Activity can encourage people with diabetes, pre-diabetes and high blood pressure to become more physically active.

Councillor Sylvia Seal, portfolio holder for leisure and culture at South Somerset District Council, said: “Working with a wide range of partners is enabling us to help a large number of people in and around the four communities to make a positive contribution to their long term health and I look forward to hearing from many more people benefitting from the project.’’