Beating the Blues in Blackpool
Get Out Get Active in Blackpool is encouraging residents to be more active with a series of monthly challenges.
In January 2021, the team launched a new activity challenge called ‘Beat the January Blues’. With a selection of prizes to be won, over 30 people took part. The challenge was designed to encourage people to exercise more regularly by being active on as many days as you can in January.
I enjoyed doing the exercises. It gave me a kick start in doing exercise and I am continuing to encourage myself in keeping up with daily walks and running. It has improved my mental and physical health and brought me closer to my peers.
GOGA Blackpool participant
45% of challenge participants achieved the gold target. These people were active for more than 30 days, with activities ranging from walking to cycling, boxfit, and home workouts.
Before the challenge, participants were asked how active they had been in the last six weeks. 15% of participants said they were not very active, 23% had been fairly active, and 38% stated they were regularly active.
The team repeated the survey after the challenge and found there was a 25% increase in participants who were active – completing more than 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week. The results also showed that participants felt that they had experienced significantly fewer health issues whilst taking part.
This challenge really helped me with my mental health. I struggle with my mental health and when I am exercising and doing something, I enjoy I feel so much better in myself. I also started to lose weight which made me feel better.
GOGA Blackpool participant
‘Beat the January Blues’ challenge has been a big a success for the GOGA team in Blackpool. They are now adapting the challenge each month to engage with different residents. You can find their most recent challenge on the GOGA Blackpool Facebook page. Or for more information about GOGA activities visit the Get Out Get Active Blackpool webpage.
This story is part of our ongoing series showcasing how GOGA locations are finding new ways to reach some of our most inactive audiences across the UK.
About Get Out Get Active
Get Out Get Active (GOGA) is a programme that supports disabled and non-disabled people to enjoy being active together. Activity Alliance is the creator and lead partner. The programme is funded by Spirit of 2012, Sport England and London Marathon Charitable Trust.