MORE than 250 people have taken advantage of a free scheme to boost their health and fitness over the past 12 months in East Dorset.

Activate East Dorset was launched in January 2014 by NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Christchurch and East Dorset Partnership.

The initiative allows people registered with a local GP to take part in a range of activities with support from Green Exercise referral instructors.

Local GP and chairman of the East Dorset Locality of Dorset CCG Dr Colin Davidson said: “We are delighted that this scheme is there to help people who may otherwise lead a sedentary lifestyle.

“Along with well-documented benefits to a person’s physical wellbeing, regular physical activity can also have a real positive impact on mental health.

“Getting active doesn’t mean you have to join the gym or get training for running a marathon; find activities you enjoy and try to fit more time in your daily life to enjoy them”.

The Active 4 Health Green Exercise Referral Scheme is a 12-week programme involving four one-to-one consultations with an adviser who designs a personal exercise plan involving a variety of activities/groups to suit an individual’s needs and interests.

If people are a little unsure before making the first step they can phone the Active 4 Health lifestyle coordinator, who will chat through all the options.

Community Wellness Walks based in West Moors, Ferndown and Verwood with an instructor can be a good place to start, before moving on to other free health walks across the area.

For more details, contact 01202 795141 or email active4health@christchurch andeastdorset.gov.uk.

Free walks, which are led by trained volunteer health walk leaders, are held every week across East Dorset.

There are walks from Moors Valley, Verwood, Wimborne, West Moors, Ferndown and West Parley.

Visit moors-valley.co.uk or walkingforhealth.org.uk or call 01425 470721 to find out further information.