‘Let’s go’ Welshpool area and get active

A new project – the first of its kind in the county - has launched this week and it is hoped it will help people across the Welshpool area be more active.

Let’s Go Powys/Amdani Powys  is designed to make it easier for people to find sports and activity opportunities across the county. The website offers plenty of inspiration, for adults of all ages and abilities, from walking netball to kayaking to cycling and wheelchair basketball.

It has been created in response to a county-wide survey conducted by Sport Powys which revealed that residents said it was difficult to find varied physical activities.

Elin Wozencraft from Sport Powys explains: “It was clear from the survey feedback from residents that having one website to find and share activities was very much needed. Let’s Go Powys offers everyone – residents and visitors - an opportunity to easily find enjoyable activities which are right for them.

“The website has also been designed so that health professionals can support people to boost their health and wellbeing by signposting them to activities and sessions.”

Activity providers across Powys are taking advantage of the free marketing opportunity to list groups and clubs, sessions and venues. And Powys County Council is encouraging all providers across the county to visit the website to list their opportunities. In the future, local walking and cycling routes will also be added to the website.

Let’s Go Powys features an activity finder so that people can search the website for opportunities in their area and by activity type.

Welshpool’s Cllr Richard Church, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys, said: “We have so many wonderful, inclusive activities that take place week in, week out across Powys. There really is something for everyone and I’m thrilled that we’re able to showcase them so that more people across our county can enjoy the benefits of moving and being active.”

The website also includes a series of case studies of individuals who have benefited from finding a sport or activity near them in Powys.

Arddleen’s Emma Matthews joined Border Biking Belles at Welshpool when it was formed, initially encouraged by a friend to tag along and borrow a bicycle.

“After the first ride, which was hard work, I was determined to improve,” she said. “I’ve got fitter, I’ve made new friends, I’ve learnt more about the area I live in and I’ve done challenges I had never imagined doing before.

“Come along and give it a try. The Belles are a friendly group and no one gets left behind.”

Welshpool’s Bethan Evans says she’s never looked back since joining the Pilates group in Guilsfield, which helps her to de-stress and make new friends.

“As I felt that my menopause was affecting my wellbeing, I needed to decrease my stress levels,” she explained. “Pilates is known to decrease stress.

“Pilates is a low impact exercise, suitable for all ages and abilities, it strengthens your core, improves flexibility, posture and balance and tones muscle that can protect the body from injuries.

“The beauty of Pilates is it’s a wholebody exercise, anyone can join and you don't need to be fit, thin, young and flexible. Just give it a go because it's so beneficial.”

MAIN PICTURE: Bethan Evans enjoys Pilates with Tracey held in Guilsfield - more details through mrstraceybird@gmail.com.