Duke Fitness would like to deliver FREE programmes to residents within the Sunderland area. This program will build on the success of previous programs of delivery, targeting those most in need. Every session will consist of one hour of physical activity and half an hour of social interaction with access to a range of healthy snacks, information and options to refer to alternative local community providers. Classes including babies will involve a range of sensory activities to support development. I want to target pre and post natal clients and their families to engage in a range of physical activities including some that incorporate the use of the buggy / child as a tool to encourage and support physical fitness whilst also working on bonding with the baby. I want the project to run for a 6 month period and I want to deliver 4 sessions per week (2 with pre natal women and their family and two with post natal women and the family)

What we'll deliver:

• New programmes for members in the community that currently experience barriers to fitness and wellbeing activities
• Equipment for adults/families, sensory equipment for baby development
• Healthy snacks and refreshments
• Events for the community
• A warm, safe environment

Why it's a great idea:

We aim to encourage community cohesion and address social isolation of parents/carers and families after the pandemic via encouraging social interaction and community connection. We will engage in a range of indoor and outdoor activities that improve the health and wellbeing of the adult and child. Encouraging the use of local spaces and promoting the great outdoors and the positive outcomes of increased access to natural vitamin D. The sessions will support the bond between child and adult via a range of activites promoting play which encourages personal and social development. We will encourage and promote the use of buggy walking and buggy jogging so parents/ carers are able to support low carbon alternatives to using local/ own transport for short journeys. We will support local families by offering links to like minded organisation / promote specialist organisations for those most in need . i.e food banks, drugs and alcohol, mental health support/ finance support etc.

Steps to get it done:

• Purchase additional equipment (Including child development sensory)
• Approaching links (Health visitors, midwives, new mother groups, charities) - Already have potential users
• Deliver classes to the community
• Number of participates engaging in programme