ICE gym launch to tackle obesity

Children in the Birmingham area can now benefit from exercise with a difference, thanks to the new children's ICE gym in Handsworth, which launched today.

The ICE gym is attached to Hamstead Hall Community Learning Centre in Handsworth and makes up the sixth ICE gym available for Birmingham children aged from eight to 16 years old.

It's not just the gym that can be enjoyed but also outdoor pursuits such as orienteering, an assault course, archery and in the future a BMX circuit. The centre offers a unique learning experience for pupils with a taste of the outdoors with a fire pit area where children can learn how to prepare and cook healthy food.

One of the aims behind the scheme is to encourage children to take up sports they may not have had an opportunity to in school PE lessons. The initiative is funded with support from Heart of Birmingham Teaching Primary Care Trust and Birmingham City Council.

More information on the programme can be found by viewing the press coverage below:

BBC Midlands Today

Birmingham Mail

Watch Frank Bruno in Birmingham

The local media also attended the Gym4Free launch with Frank Bruno and, in case you missed it, you can view clips here of the clips of the boxer talking about the scheme, broadcast on 8 Jan 09:

BBC Midlands Today

Birmingham Mail

Frank Bruno launches Gym4Free in Birmingham

Frank Bruno was in town today to launch the Gym4Free scheme - the first Change4Life activity in the area - which will enable residents of the Heart of Birmingham to use the gym for free!

Gym for Free was launched at Handsworth Leisure Centre. The scheme is aimed at people over 16-years-old who live in Heart of Birmingham postcodes. It gives free gym membership, access to swimming pools and fitness classes through your local leisure centre.

Frank officially marked the opening by addressing the public and organisers with encouraging words of support for the scheme. He then jabbed and ducked his way through a combat session together with children from Anderton Park school in Sparkhill, Birmingham.

Upstairs in the gym, Frank endorsed the scheme, saying "Heart disease and obesity is very serious and anything regarding health is good for you.

"The word free - you can't ever hear that word too often. Anything free I would use myself."

To find out more about Gym4Free and see if you may be eligible click here

Advertising hits the streets

This month, as well as advertising being on our TV screens, billboard posters and the like are popping up all over Birmingham. Passers-by will notice they are themed dependent on where they are, such as 'why not get off a stop earlier' on a bus shelter and 'time to start ringing the changes' on a phone box.

Have you seen Change4Life advertising whilst out and about in Birmingham? Send your photos to communications@hobtpct.nhs.uk and we will publish our favourites on this site!

New TV adverts out today!

Change4Life is launching new TV adverts today, with the help of the animators behind Wallace and Gromit. The catchy commercial can be viewed below:

You can also check out photos from the behind the scenes making of the advert here.