Southwark launches its Olympic challenge to get healthy for 2012

The council and partners are this week launching their Health Factor Challenge, inviting local people to take part in a new scheme to improve their health and wellbeing.

Chosen participants will be mentored by prominent Southwark leaders, such as chief executive of Southwark Council Annie Shepperd and Southwark Fire Brigade chief Andy Snazell. 

The challenges, which will be set over a three month period in the summer, will include:

• carrying out sport in our parks
• going on a 5k walk
• learning a new dance
• creating the best healthy recipe
• helping to fundraise for a charity

Cllr Dora Dixon-Fyle, cabinet member for health and adult social care at Southwark Council said: 

"As the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics approaches we want to find twelve people from our borough who want to change their lives for the better, and who will be an inspiration for others to use the Olympics as a time to put their health first. I'm really looking forward to getting involved." 

Annie Shepperd, chief executive of Southwark Council, said: 

"As part of our aim to create a lasting Olympic legacy, what better way to do this than to encourage residents in Southwark to get more active and become healthier in the meantime! This Health Factor Challenge is a great way to get involved in the build up to the London Games, and I'm looking forward to playing my part as a mentor." 

Dame Donna Kinnair, Director of Nursing and Commissioning, Southwark PCT, added:  

"We are faced with a challenge of our own here in Southwark when it comes to getting more people to adopt a healthier lifestyle, and this will hopefully be a way to change that for the better. I'd urge everyone to get involved in this great project." 

What happens now

The council and their partners are now inviting locals to bid to become one of 12 lucky participants selected to go on the Health Factor Challenge. These 12 will take part in a range of tasks, keep track of their progress and also inspire others along the way.

Background Information 

What is the Health Factor?

The health factor is an exciting challenge giving Southwark residents the opportunity to improve their health and wellbeing. 

Who can take part?

Our participants won't be fitness fanatics or elite athletes but Southwark residents, from all walks of life. People keen to take steps to improve their health and be an inspiration for others in the borough. Our challenge is open to anyone over the age of eighteen living in Southwark. 

What does the Health Factor involve?

If you are one of the twelve selected participants, you will take part in a ten week programme between May and July. We'll help you to design a health and fitness plan for the ten weeks involving: 

• Regular challenges to be more active in your day to day life
• Using some of the great facilities in the borough for free
• Events for you, your friends and family and the wider community
• Encouragement and support from one of four mentors, all prominent figures in the local community.

 We also want you to help others

• By inspiring others with updates on your progress on our website throughout the programme
• After you have completed the challenge we would like you to go out into your local community and pass on the knowledge and benefits you have gained during the programme
• This might involve becoming a mentor for others, running an activity that you enjoy or simply passing on what you've learnt to your friends, relatives and neighbours.

What are the prizes and how can I win?

There will be four prizes one each for commitment, improvement, inspiration and community contribution. The prizes include tickets for sporting and cultural events.