Broseley Joggers’ Couch to 5k programme has been granted £550 by Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing’s (STAR Housing’s) Community Chest Fund. The programme, which has seen a successful initial programme, aims to positively encourage a healthy lifestyle across Broseley and surrounding areas, reducing obesity and associated health costs in Shropshire.
A total of 30 residents have participated in the initial programme and a further 30 have expressed interest in a second. The grant will help train three more ‘run leaders’. Broseley Joggers’ Peter Welch says, “We bring together people who may not be confident about their body shape to exercise together in a non-competitive, supporting environment. We’re pleased that, with this funding, this programme will continue to unite the community, bringing families together of all ages ranging from people in their twenties to their sixties. There are no barriers to participation – it’s also free to all residents.
“We used the funds to put three members of the club through UK Athletics Run Leader training. This allowed us to stage a Couch to 5K programme from April until June.”