People of all ages from across West Lancashire can take steps to enjoy a healthier lifestyle through a new scheme called Active West Lancs.

Building on existing projects, Active West Lancs will run a wide range of activities to address varied aspects of improving people's health & wellbeing.

These include health walks, school activities, family workshops, cookery activities, physical activity sessions, weight management courses and even community farming & gardening.

Councillor Kevin Wright, West Lancashire Borough Council portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing, said: "It doesn't matter what age you are or how fit you are as Active West Lancs has activities for all ages. The sessions can be a lot of fun as well as helping to improve your health, so make sure you take this chance for you and your family to have a healthier lifestyle.

Councillor Yvonne Gagen, Council portfolio holder for Leisure, said: "We are really excited about Active West Lancs as improving the health and wellbeing of local communities is one of the top priorities in the Council Plan. The scheme shows that even small steps can make a difference to people's health."

For more details about Active West Lancs and to join specific schemes please call Emma Davies, project Co-ordinator, on 01695 555804 or email activewestlancs@westlancs.go.uk<mail...estlancs.go.uk>. Or you can visit the website www.activewestlancs.org, which will also have a monthly newsletter with updates about projects.

Active West Lancs is a partnership to improve the health & wellbeing of the population of West Lancs. The five local organisations delivering the scheme are West Lancashire Borough Council, West Lancashire Community Leisure Trust, West Lancs School Sports Partnership, West Lancs CVS and Skelmersdale Community Food Initiative.

People can refer onto a variety of physical and weight management programmes. Referral can be through your GP, medical /health professionals and you can also refer yourselves. See our website and promotional leaflets for information/forms for how to refer yourself.

A number of schemes are already up and running including our 12 week gym based sessions(includes swimming at certain venues), 12-week 'weight management' challenge, exercise classes, health walks including new Skelmersdale walks, community allotments and cookery sessions.

For more information on West Lancashire Borough Council leisure and recreation services please visit www.westlancs.gov.uk/leisure.