Hi there! I’m Fiona, the Zest Project worker for the area. If you’re wondering what on earth that means...read on. Zest is the healthy living network for North Manchester. Hang on!-before you groan and turn the page, it’s an exciting new project that can hopefully contribute some really positive things to the area. It’s my job to work with local residents to find solutions to some of the health issues in the area.
It’s a shocking fact that people in this area die significantly younger than in other parts of the country. Residents are more susceptible to heart disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. Statistics show that only half the people think that their health is good. This is completely unacceptable and although the reasons for poor health are very complicated and have many different causes, there are things that we can all do to improve things.
We all know that some things that improve health are things like physical activity and good nutrition, as well as fun social events that can help people gain in confidence and find new friends. We also know that local people do not always have good access to such things, or to good services. That’s where Zest is working with local people and agencies to try to contribute to positive change.
There are two main groups that coordinate this work in Miles Platting, Ancoats and Collyhurst; both groups are made up of local residents and people working in the area.
The Health Forum is a group of local people and workers with an interest in health who meet regularly to discuss health issues in the area, and try to find solutions together.
The Valuing Older People Working Group aims to improve quality of life for older people in the area. For example, the group hopes to try and coordinate some of the local activities happening around VE day.
Both groups are eager to welcome local residents with an interest in these issues to become members. I’d be really happy to meet and chat to anyone who is interested in finding out more, and considering the possibility of coming to a local meeting.
Some activities that are happening at the moment are a monthly Tea Dance, (second Tuesday of the month 1-4pm at Corpus Christi Social Club) a Salsa class (Fridays at 1.15pm at Trinity Methodist church hall) and a Yoga class that happens every Thursday at Collyhurst nursery at 6.30pm). We are also supporting the brilliant Herbie fruit and veg van that will be stopping somewhere near you for good quality cheap fresh produce.
We hope to get some aqua aerobics at the pool, and other exercise classes soon-watch this space! And let me know if you’re yearning for some exercise but a class for you doesn’t exist.
If you’re still reading and not puzzling over Andy’s word challenge, congratulations! You’re obviously interested so why not give me a call and you can tell me what you think about these issues
Please feel welcome to phone me on 277 8816. I look forward to speaking to you and meeting you in the future
Best wishes,
Fiona
