Cherwell District Council's digital hub offers residents an action-packed guide to staying inside

With traditional sports and leisure venues closed due to COVID-19, Cherwell District Council has developed a new webpage designed as a one-stop-shop for ways to keep happy and healthy during lockdown.

The activity and wellbeing hub includes specific information from Cherwell, as well as details from partners across the district, offering ways to boost mental and physical wellbeing for families, couples and individuals.

Cherwell’s lead member for health and wellbeing, Cllr Andrew McHugh, said: “It’s more important than ever to look after our bodies and minds. Residents have responded exceptionally well to government guidance to stay at home, but it can be difficult to find ways to stay active, especially if living on your own.

“Cherwell’s new activity and wellbeing webpage has been put together in double-quick time to help people adapt to a very challenging situation. It offers an abundance of information which I’m sure residents will find useful both during COVID-19 and beyond.”

Included on the page, located at www.cherwell.gov.uk/activity-and-wellbeing-hub, are links to Cherwell’s new sport and leisure offerings as well as a digital version of the FAST programme. Since the closure of leisure centres and schools, the Youth Activators, who run the popular Families Active Sporting Together initiative, have been producing daily YouTube videos to help families stay fit. They have also offered a ‘pick n mix’ service for parents and children, challenging them to choose a range of household objects for the Youth Activators to design a fun activity around.

Cllr George Reynolds, Cherwell’s lead member for leisure and sport said: “Our Youth Activators have been busier than ever designing new ways for families to stay healthy together. Whether it’s throwing balled socks up the stairs or playing capture the flag in the back garden, there’s plenty of opportunities for families to play and have fun together.”

The activity and wellbeing hub also helps people make the most of their daily dose of outdoor exercise. Linking with local partners, there are details about engaging more with the natural world, with fun observational activities for people to take part in on a short walk. Pages from Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust highlight interesting seasonal sights and sounds as well as ways to make your garden more welcoming to butterflies and birds.

Also listed are learning opportunities, with home study courses and links to online resources, as well as tips to help people stay connected with loved ones. More information can be found at www.cherwell.gov.uk/activity-and-wellbeing-hub*A message from the Banbury Guardian Editor:

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