Health projects get the green light

This week sees the unveiling of two exciting new projects that will benefit disadvantaged people across Shropshire. The Shropshire Outdoors and Shropshire Indoors projects will encourage people with learning and physical disabilities to be more active, and improve their health and wellbeing.

Shropshire Primary Care Trust, Shropshire County Council and Shropshire Wildlife Trust have joined forces to provide a variety of ‘green exercise’ activities for people with learning difficulties and users of mental health services.

Barbara Craig, Shropshire County Council's Cabinet member for community services, said: “This admirable project promotes health, choice and involvement for users of health care services."

Hedge laying, tree planting and nature walks are just some of the many activities included in the Outdoors Project.

Joe Penfold, Shropshire County Council's Outdoor Project Officer, said: “The Shropshire countryside is a free and wonderful resource for people to improve their mental and physical wellbeing."

For those who fancy being indoors, the Shropshire Indoors Project lead by Anne Seymour provides anything from dance to Tai Chi at community venues across the county.

Shropshire Outdoors and Indoors projects are funded by the Big Lottery and fall under the banner of ‘Living Well in the West Midlands’. The portfolio of projects will be officially launched on 4 February in Birmingham Council House with many activities taking place over the following week.

For further information on the Shropshire Outdoors Project please contact Joe Penfold, at Shropshire County Council on 01743 255059 or for the Shropshire Indoors Project please contact Anne Seymour at Through the Doorway to Healthy Living on 01948 841466.

5 February 2008