'Fit 4 U 2' launched for adults with learning disabilities

by Gráinne Connolly

The Southern Health and Social Care Trust 'Fit4U 2' programme aims to empower adults with learning disabilities to improve their health and wellbeing through participation in physical activity and sports.

Activities include group exercise, boccia, kurling, archery, team games, ball skills, indoor golf, football, dance and badminton.  

Activities take place during the day-time and are adapted to meet the needs of participants.

The programmetakes place in 5 Leisure Centres across the Southern Trust area including:

• Orchard Leisure Centre Armagh
• Dungannon Leisure Centre 
• Craigavon Leisure Centre 
• Banbridge Leisure Centre
• Newry Leisure Centre

Rhonda Richardson the Southern Trust Fit 4 U Co-ordinator explains: 

"Participants experience physical, mental and social health benefits from the Fit4U 2 programme.

"Physical activity benefits participant's overall mobility, their muscle strength, co-ordination and balance.  

"Mentally, it provides a focus, a sense of achievement and improves confidence.  Socially, it provides an opportunity to meet people, communicate with others, have fun and participate in the local community."

The Southern Trust asked some of their Fit 4 U 2 participants what they thought with one saying it's "Brilliant! I enjoy going every week to take part in the exercises and I really enjoy the games, its good fun."

Another says, "I enjoy the fitness and games, I love meeting everyone every week. I have good fun at it." 
 

To find out more information about Fit 4 U 2 and referral to the programme you contact the co-ordinator Rhonda Richardson on either: 

028 3756 4490 or email - rhonda.richardson@southerntrust.hscni.net