DEVON Active Villages is a development programme funded by Devon County Council, Sport England and Active Devon, which supports village communities in Devon to provide long term, sustainable sports participation opportunities.
The main purpose of the programme is to offer people of all ages opportunities to experience the fun of sport and build a lifelong love of being active and healthy. The next phase of the programme has now begun, which incorporates the villages of Winkleigh, Woolfardisworthy and Bradworthy. Within each community a project officer identifies what opportunities each local community wants, provides financial and practical support to 'kick start' these activities and help them sustain them into the longer term, and provides access to training programmes for volunteer coaches and helpers. In addition to improving the health and fitness benefits through increased sport and activity, the scheme also aims to bring communities together; reduce health inequality and improve life chances; and focus the energies of children and young people, creating safer communities by reducing anti-social behaviour and increasing skills and prosperity.
n For more information visit http://www.activevillages.co.uk">www.activevillages.co.uk or contact James Jarroudi at Torridge District Council on 01237 428737.