Breckland, becoming a healthy district
Change 4 LifeI want to...
Be more active
Modern life has meant that many of us have fallen into bad habits and don’t do enough exercise. We all need to be active to be healthy and it’s important to do something we can enjoy too! There are a range of activities in Thetford that you and your family can join to get fitter and lead a healthier lifestyle.
Walking For Health
Walking for Health is a great way to increase your daily exercise whilst discovering more about the area you live in and meeting new people. These organised walks are run throughout the week in Thetford and other nearby villages. Led by enthusiastic trained leaders, there are levels from short beginner to more advanced longer walks of up to 4 miles. All walks are free and you do not need to book a place unless specifically stated. Walking has a positive effect on your health and the fresh air and countryside can encourage relaxation and a more positive frame of mind. They are also very social and walks are followed by refreshments where available. Interested in coming along or becoming a walk leader? Then contact Malcolm Bellingham the Walking for Health Co-ordinator on 01842 757351 or email malcolm.bellingham@yahoo.com.
Green Ventures Bikes
The Green Ventures Bikes recycling project based at 39 Brunel Way Thetford, IP24 1HP opened to the public in February 2010 providing recycled and refurbished bikes to support the promotion of cycling across Thetford. It is encouraging the increased use of bikes for both work and pleasure. The shop is open Tuesday to Friday from 11.00am to 5.00pm and on Saturdays from 9.00am to 1.00pm. Bikes are collected from household waste sites and from donations by the public, they are then taken to our factory to be assessed and recycled. Some are dismantled for parts whilst others are repaired and serviced avoiding them going to landfill. Once refurbished, the bikes are made available to the public through three streams; at no cost on a referral basis by local agencies, offered for sale from the factory unit on Brunel Way and also to businesses to create pools of bikes. Refurbished bikes, accessories and a repair service are available. For further information you can either phone 01842 821459, email green.ventures@keystonetrust.org.uk or visit the website www.keystonetrust.org.uk/green-ventures.
Bike It
Sustrans, the UK’s leading sustainable transport charity promotes cycling as a fun and healthy travel option to the people of Thetford, especially kids. Working directly with pupils, parents, staff, businesses and community groups, we are trying to help overcome whatever it is that prevents people from cycling. Building on the initial work undertaken by Georgie Burr the Thetford Bike It officer, we continue to work with many of the schools in Thetford If you see these 
two people at your school, please give them a huge wave and say hello! Carl Clark, Bike champion at Bishops C of E Primary School and Carol Doherty, Thetford Healthy Town Project Manager are there to help support the school’s Bike Champions and to keep the great work going. Carl and Carol are there to help anyone who would like to be a ‘bike champion’ in their school and help join in the fun by planning exciting bike-related events throughout the term time. Whether it’s a Dr Bike session (health check for your bike) a Breakfast Bike session or learning to ride without stabilizers, we can support you. To get pupils and staff geared up for cycling to school we need YOUR help! Are you or your family keen cyclists who would you like to play an active role within your school? Would you like to help co-ordinate rides and events for pupils? If so, please get in touch! Contact Carl on 07843 940764, Carol on 07881 472201 or email inquiries@thetfordhealthytown.co.uk.
NHS Health Trainers
If you would like to do more exercise, make healthier food choices, stop smoking or drink less alcohol, this free and confidential service may be able to help you. Health Trainers provide one to one advice and motivation to help people identify the areas of their life they want to change. Individuals set their own goals and with support take the steps that will improve their quality of life. Achieving your health goal can help you live longer, look and feel better. You can have more energy and reduce the risk of disease, stress and anxiety. Health Trainers are not counsellors, clinically trained or fitness coaches but they are skilled in motivating people and have the time and training to help you. They are local with knowledge and experience of the area they work in and can assist you in accessing the services, community groups and support you need. A Health Trainer will meet with you in a time and place to suit you up to six times over six months. They will provide you with an initial health assessment, a personal health plan, guidance to set achievable health goals, and regular reviews and signposting to other services. For further information please contact Sarah Lynam on 01842 757341 or email sarah.lynam@norfolk-pct.nhs.uk.
Did You Know?
- Children who exercise before school perform better, are more alert and are less depressed
- Adult cyclists are on average as fit as someone 10 years younger
- Ten bikes can be parked in the space of one car
META
META (incorporating META Health) is a face to face information and support service staffed by migrant workers to help mobile communities with their health needs. This includes assistance with GP registration and referrals and advice on the range of professional health services available in Thetford. META provides support in English, Portuguese, Polish, Lithuanian, Russian, and Czech. META Health actively promotes the Change4Life message in a culturally sensitive way. For further information contact Robyn Challis on 01842 656352 or e-mail robyn.challis@keystonetrust.org.uk.