On the 12th of November we held an Inclusive Activity Day at Beversbrook Sports and Community Facility to celebrate the launch of Get Out Get Active (GOGA). GOGA is a national programme which aims to make physical activity more inclusive, support people to move more, and encourage people to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. The programme provides opportunities for disabled and non-disabled people to be active together and feel connected to their local community.

The Free inclusive physical activity fun day provided opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to take part in a range of exciting activities- some of which will feature as part of the GOGA programme when it launches in the New Year. There were also opportunities to talk to current GOGA volunteers about their experiences to find out how to get involved.

Some participants who came along on the day said:

"Our children had so much fun so did us adults"

"My son is wheelchair bound and absolutely loved the boxing"

"Very well ran and put together, nice people, a great morning to experience different sports"

We will be working with Wiltshire Council, Age UK, Community First, Wiltshire Centre for Independent living, Beversbrook Sports Facility and Calne Town Council to design a programme of regular activities in Calne using feedback gathered on the day.

Dan Martin, Beversbrook Sport and Facilities Manager said:

"Here at Beversbrook we are looking to create a programme of activities that are accessible to all and has something to offer to the whole community. Our exciting new partnership with WASP and the deliver partners in launching the GOGA project here at Beversbrook allows us to do that. We are looking forward to working together to launch exciting new initiatives to get the local community active."

Expanding GOGA into Calne will give another part of Wiltshire the experience and opportunity to come together as a community and move more. The success of GOGA has been through working with and co-designing activities with local residents. We listen and provide them with an array of new opportunities that support people being active and help to reduce any barriers along the way. We realise we are still recovering from the pandemic, and so by supporting people to come together in fun inclusive ways with help combat isolation, provide a warm space, meet new people, and enjoy the many benefits that being active bring both physically and mentally.

For more information on GOGA in Wiltshire, click here.