Thousands of residents will take part in an exciting campaign which will see Medway travel the distance around the world.
Everyone who lives, works or studies in Medway is being encouraged to become more active and move a mile in their own way as part of the innovative year-long Medway Can health campaign.
Whether it is walking, running, cycling, dancing, skipping or hopping residents will be able to log and track their miles on a dedicated website and see how many miles Medway has collectively moved together. The ambition is to travel the distance around the globe – a staggering 24,901 miles.
The Medway Can campaign was launched at Oaklands School in Walderslade on Friday, 20 May. Pupils took part in exciting activities including a noughts and crosses relay, activity dice and hills and valleys using cones, hoops, bean bags and scarves.
Encouraging residents of all ages to get moving
Cllr David Brake, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder covering Public Health, said: “This fantastic campaign is a great way to encourage residents of all ages to get moving. Whether it is playing football with your family in the park, running in one of Medway’s award-winning greenspaces or jumping around on a trampoline, there is a way for everyone to get involved. Together, I know Medway residents will step up to the challenge and help us reach the ambitious target of travelling 24,901 miles.”
Get active and have fun
James Williams, Director for Public Health in Medway, said: “We are working with our community to support all Medway residents to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. We want people to use our great local amenities to improve their health. I encourage people to visit their parks and green spaces more. Walk or cycle to work, school, or the shops, instead of taking the car. We want to make sure that everyone is able to access opportunities to be active and have fun!”
The campaign was shaped by local people for local people.
Simple and straightforward
Dr Sarah Hotham, from the University of Kent’s Centre for Health Services Studies, is part of the Medway Can steering group, which includes partners from the education, voluntary and physical activity providers. Dr Hotham said: “This is a really engaging and positive initiative. Moving a mile seems so simple, it can be as straightforward as walking while talking on the phone or meeting up with your friends to go for a relaxing walk or perhaps just doing star jumps in short bursts throughout the day.”
Schools and community organisations across Medway will be holding activities throughout the year to get Medway moving and there will be something for everyone to take part in. The campaign also supports our aspiration to make Medway even more child-friendly.
Everyone who lives, works and learns in Medway is also being encouraged to share how they’re moving a mile by using #MedwayCan on social media.
