'Fulfil your potential' on new courses

ERIC Noi of Oldham Boxing and Personal Development Centre

NEW courses have been launched to improve the health and wellbeing of Oldhamers.

Sessions targeting mental health issues as well as a free nutrition course have been kickstarted at Oldham Boxing and Personal Development Centre.

Residents are invited to attend one or both of the groups at Victoria House, in Greaves Street, each Monday.

Ringside Recovery, aimed at tackling mental health problems, will be held from 10am while the healthy nutrition groups will start at noon.

Director Eric Noi said: "We want to encourage people to fulfil their potential as human beings.

Important

"Our club motto, 'A Sommes Envico A Mens Envinco', which means 'A Body To Conquer A Mind To Conquer', is focused on how we best achieve this.

"It is important to approach health in a holistic manner to ensure all aspects of a person's wellbeing are addressed rather than simply prioritising one area.

"I'm a great believer in prevention and the wellbeing elements which are encompassed in these sessions.

"Mental health issues can have direct consequences on a person's physical health and vice versa.

"We are hoping there will be some overlap, with residents attending both types of sessions.

"This point is made more relevant by the current mental health issues plaguing world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury."

Ringside Recovery sessions will be delivered through a partnership between the development centre and Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust.

The project was set up in response to cuts to health and social services with the aim of reducing the number of residents affected by mental health problems.

Wasps and England rugby union international Kyle Eastmond visited the start-up group to offer his support.

He said: "Mental health issues are often stigmatised by society and more resources and projects like the Ringside Recovery need to exist."

Young people have commenced a 12-week pilot scheme in the hope of securing long-term support for the project.

Effective

Data about body mass index, blood pressure, mood symptoms and anxiety is being collected from the participants as part of the assessment period.

Monday sessions are headed up by the development centre and support worker from Oldham Early Intervention Service, Darren Nixon.

Mr Noi said: "The hope is that the data gathered will convince stakeholders that the project is an effective, cost efficient and contemporary way in which to improve both physical and mental health as well as develop key life, self-management and employment skills."

There are between 15 and 20 spaces remaining in the Ringside Recovery group, which caters for 40 residents.

The four-week nutrition course will commence on October 31.

Emphasis will be placed on helping learners to understand the basics of nutrition, with topics covering diets, exercise, energy, goals and healthy eating.

For information about the courses contact Eric on 0161 628 8466.