A GROUP of West Devon residents took to the water this month, thanks to grant funding from the borough's innovative new 5x30 project. The project aims to encourage individuals and groups to enjoy a more healthy lifestyle by taking part in some form of exercise for 30 minutes, five times a week, in line with Government and health professionals' guideliness. This month, clients from the Tavistock-based Fulfilling Lives organisation at the Molly Owen Centre have been enjoying kayaking sessions in the beautiful setting of Lopwell Dam. Helen McFarlane, community senior support worker from Fulfilling Lives, said: 'It's been really successful. 'We had seven in the water last week, one chap had never been in a canoe before and he was so scared and shaky, but within ten minutes he was loving it. It's great fun and they have one-to-one instruction, which is very good.' Helen said Fulfilling Lives had not been able to arrange outdoor activities for some time because of lack of funding, but she was delighted the 5x30 project had been able to fund four of the special evening sessions. 'It's a new experience for them, it's in a beautiful setting, we saw lots of fish jumping and the first week we saw a seal. 'Also, it's in the evening which makes a nice change for them. Part of Fulfilling Lives is about getting people to do things more independently and two of the clients were able to get the bus out, so they really felt they'd achieved something by doing it on their own; it was very rewarding for them.' Helen said she was so pleased with the success of the kayaking sessions, she now hoped to arrange some caving sessions for the Fulfilling Lives clients. Kate Wright, Tavistock community activator for the 5x30 project, said after meeting Helen and hearing about the need for more outdoor activities for Fulfilling Lives clients, she contacted Tavistock and District Outdoor Forum. 'The forum applied to 5x30 for a grant and once this was approved, they were able to starting delivering the kayaking sessions,' said Kate, who visited Lopwell to watch the fun last week. She said: '5x30 is all about trying to help people overcome barriers to people being more active ? and they certainly were managing it at Lopwell. 'The was the first successfully funded activity we've done ? now Bere Ferrers Tennis Club has successfully applied for funding to start tennis coaching sessions for young people and the over 50s.' The 5x30 project can help individuals and groups with information about establishing or maintaining a more active lifestyle. It can also provide grants for training and for the setting up of new organisations or classes. Anyone who is interested in learning more should call Kate Wright on 07920 786505 or email [email protected]">[email protected]
