Southwark’s Health Factor comes to an end with over 75km run, 35 km walked, 1,200 metres swum, and hundreds of people inspired to live healthier lives

The participants, who ranged from a single dad to a grandmother, attended a special event on Wednesday 7 September to mark the end of the ten week programme.

Between them they clocked up more than 75km running, walked more than 36 km, executed thousands of dance steps, and shed more than five stone. 

It's also estimated that through events, blogs and word of mouth, they spread the word about healthy living to hundreds of others throughout the borough.  

The selected participants were mentored by prominent Southwark leaders, such as chief executive of Southwark Council Annie Shepperd and Southwark Fire Brigade chief Andy Snazell. 

The challenges, which were set over a three month period in the summer, included:

• Yoga and Tai Chi in the parks
• A 5k run
• Learning a new dance
• A healthy cooking challenge
• Volunteering and sailing with a disability friendly sailing group at Surrey Docks  

Rashidah Conroy, who is 44 and from Camberwell, was one of the 13 participants who completed the course of events. She said the health factor changed her life for the better, adding: 

"The health factor was the kick start I needed for a more active and healthy lifestyle. I have tried so many new activities, some of which were very challenging, and I intend to keep going. It will bring a brighter future where we can be more active and live longer and better quality lives." 

Southwark Fire Commander Andy Snazzel, a team mentor, said: 

"As the programme went on, I got a lot more out of it, and got inspired by the people on it. It was inspirational in a way I never thought it would be." 

Cllr Dora Dixon-Fyle, cabinet member for health and adult social care at Southwark Council, and another team mentor, added: 

"I have learnt so much from the people I have mentored and I have been inspired by them.  It has been wonderful to be part of this health factor trailblazer and I am sure it will continue in some form in the future."

Annie Shepperd, chief executive of Southwark Council, and another team mentor, said: 

"I am so proud of everyone who took part and of my team who gave me so much. I'd like to thank the council staff and our partners who have provided venues, support and activities with such generosity. They made it happen." 

Southwark Council would like to thank all their partners who helped support and carry out the health factor. Partners were:

Southwark PCT, Fusion, Carl Campbell Dance Company, Tideway Sailability, Herne Hill Velodrome, London Southbank University, Urban Physic Garden, Angela Tella, Luis Luna, Downside Fisher, Nicollette Wilson, Shakila Ratani, Macmillan Cancer Support, Motherlode and 3B Media, Tesco.  

Background Information

What was the Health Factor?

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

Who took part?

Our participants weren't 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 was open to anyone over the age of eighteen living in Southwark. 

What did the Health Factor involve?

Participants took part in a ten week programme over the summer. The council helped them to design a health and fitness plan for the ten weeks involving:

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

What was in it for other people?

The wider community benefited from the programme because each participant was tasked with

• Inspiring others with updates on their progress on the council's website throughout the programme
• After completing the challenge they went out into their local community and passed on the knowledge and benefits they had gained during the programme

For more information on the health factor please go to the health factor website.