Off with the heels, on with the trainers!

THE presentation of certificates marked the completion of Richmond Women's Project with co-ordinator Lauren Whaley pictured back centre

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NOT wearing heels or flip-flops to play badminton was one of the lessons learned by women taking part in a project to get them more active.

It was among the activities on the timetable for mums, grandmothers, sisters and friends of pupils at Richmond Academy in Westwood.

They took part in the ten-week programme run by Lauren Whaley from Oldham Sport Development which also included Zumba, walking, swimming and cycling lessons, and a health check.

She explained that 45 per cent of adults in Oldham do not do the recommended 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week, with women and particularly those from ethnic minorities doing less.

But members of the sport development team who spoke to women waiting for their children outside a number of primary schools were told that they wanted to do more.

Richmond Academy was chosen to take part in the project because mums there already attend a weekly coffee morning and do English classes, art and cooking.

A total of 25 women participated - more than originally hoped for - and they helped to choose and plan what they wanted to try.

Lauren explained that many of them had never visited a leisure centre before, so the project involved showing them around, learning things such as how to use a locker and finding out more about membership prices.

They also discovered what - and what not - to wear and Lauren added: "When we played badminton, some of them had heels on or flip-flops so they couldn't take part. But they all swapped shoes so everyone could have a go."

The women also had a private swimming lesson, to address concerns about being seen by men, and a cycling lesson in Alexandra Park with Transport for Greater Manchester.

Those who took part received certificates and Lauren now hopes that they will continue to organise their own activities - as well as becoming "community champions" by encouraging others to do more.

She said: "I am working with the group to support them to continue some of the activities they have tried.

"Some of the ideas they have talked about include a Zumba class and booking badminton courts for them, may of whom speak little or no English."