Oxford City Council is supporting the launch of four new activity groups in Barton to help residents to improve their health with fun and accessible activities.
The Council supports physical activities across the city to encourage people to move more. Regular movement can benefit both physical and mental health.
The new groups and activities launched in Barton include:
- Bumps & Buggies Health Walk. A walking group for expectant parents and families with children under the age of five. It was created to support the mental health and wellbeing of pregnant residents and to help new and expectant parents stay connected. More information can be found on the Walking for Health website.
- Joyriders Oxford. A cycling group created to empower female riders, for those completely new to cycling through to those who are more experienced. More information can be found on the group’s Eventbrite page.
- Men’s Mental Health Football Group. A football session followed by an hour’s social for men to talk about their wellbeing and offer each other emotional support.
- Barton Community Association activities. A range of activities will be held at the Barton Neighbourhood Centre starting in September including yoga, Zumba, Pilates, line dancing and more. More information can be found on the Barton Community Association website and Barton Community Association Facebook page.
The NHS recommends that adults should aim to achieve 150 minutes of physical activity every week, whether this is walking, cycling or going to the gym. These new groups aim to support Barton residents to build this physical activity into their routine and reduce the impact that inactivity can have on a person’s overall health.
In addition to encouraging residents to join in local activities, Oxford City Council has supported the Barton Community Association to apply for funding for their activity classes through Active Reach.
Active Reach is a programme based in Oxfordshire which provides funding to help those hit hardest by COVID-19 to improve their health and wellbeing.
“These new classes provide an opportunity for everybody and anybody to access either free or very affordable physical activities at the centre. No matter your level of ability there is always something there for you, it is inclusive for everyone at any level. We don’t expect you to take it seriously but we guarantee you will reap the benefits and come out laughing, sweating and having made new friends. If you want to find out more information follow our Facebook page to find out what activities we have starting this September.”
Sue Holden, Barton Community Association
“The new activities launched in Barton will provide residents with easy and affordable ways to start exercising. They can be sociable, allowing new parents to meet and chat while they get some gentle exercise outdoors. And they could save you money - if Joyriders helps you get confident enough to ride your bicycle to work or the shops, then you can save on petrol and parking.
“The last 18 months have shown how important basic good health is. We hope that these activities will support more people to improve their mental and physical health.”
Councillor Louise Upton, Cabinet Member for a Safer, Healthier Oxford
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