Love2walk Final

Congratulations to you all as all the teams together who during the 12 weeks completed over 141.2 million steps, which is fantastic. Four teams exceeded 5 million steps and these were One Step Beyond, Diana’s Dynamos, Trail Blazers, and the Brackla Beauties, well done. The team with the most steps and the winner of that section was One Step Beyond with over 6 million steps, congratulations.

The challenge is not only about the number of steps it is also about every-one of you walking a few steps more each week, and/or maintaining the improvement. The most improved teams over the duration of the challenge were Celebrity Stalkers and Walkers, Marsells Team, Graph Walks, and KASE, all with over 42% improvement. The winner for the most improved team is Celebrity Stalkers and Walkers with an improvement of over 200%.

The overall team winner who has not only walked a great many steps but who have also increased their number of steps are Housing Heroes, congratulations. Very well done, also to the Brackla Beauties, Marsells Team, and the Celebrity Stalkers and Walkers.

A special prize has been awarded to Brynmeryn Primary School who fielded 5 teams involving 24 staff, with all teams completing the challenge, congratulations.

The attached league tables contain the top 20 walkers in each section. The top four individual walkers during the entire challenge are Gavin Gates, Diana Apperley, Christine Edmunds, and Wayne Morris, who have all walked well over 1.8 million steps, congratulations. The individual with the most steps was Gavin Gates with over 2 million steps, congratulations.

The most improved individual walkers in the 12 weeks were Harriet Hopkins, Angie Palmer, Andrew Mason, and Steve Jones, very well done. The winner of the most improved section was Harriet Hopkins who improved by over 300%, congratulations.

The overall individual winner who achieved a high number of steps and a big improvement during the challenge was Emma Carter, congratulations. Also very well done to Avril Wright, Anita May and Angie Palmer.

For full results click above.

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Love2walk Spring Programme.

See the Spring Programme for Love2walk activities. They are open to all. Click above for details.

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Suicide Prevention

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training – (18+) places available.

Delivered by Mind Cymru, this is a two day ‘suicide first aid’ course. Most people considering suicide share their distress and their intent, sometimes very discreetly. This training will help you see and respond to these invitations for help, give you the confidence to ask about suicide if you are concerned about someone’s safety and provide you with the tools to help prevent the immediate risk. Places at these courses are available free of charge (£20 returnable deposit on completion) to anyone living, working or attached to an agency or department in Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot Counties (representing a £180 saving per person).

For full details click above.

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Family Bike Ride

Why not get yourself fit for Pedal Power’s Sponsored Bike Challenge by joining the Family Bike Ride which is being held in conjunction with Marie Curie Cancer Care or if you’d prefer to volunteer as a marshal or to be part of the sweeper team then please let us know. The Café will be open at the end of your ride for refreshments and a BBQ will be available @ £5 per person.

For full details click above.

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No Smoking

Take the Leap Towards Quitting Smoking on No Smoking Day 14^th March 2012

Parents are being encouraged to “take the leap” towards quitting smoking on No Smoking Day 14^th March 2012

Every year, No Smoking Day helps and support smokers who want to quit. The theme for No Smoking Day 2012 is “take the leap”.

Over a million smokers commit to quit on No Smoking Day and contacting Stop Smoking Wales on 0800 085 2219 is often one of the first steps taken in the quest to quit.

Stop Smoking Wales has an important role in reducing the impact of tobacco on people’s health, giving them access to free, local, NHS smoking cessation clinics.

As part of the campaign in Bridgend, parents are being encouraged to consider the effects of second hand smoke to their children and with the support available take that first step towards giving up. Local organisations will be promoting the day to families that they work with.

For more details about No Smoking Day visit www.nosmokingday.org.uk and for information on Stop Smoking Wales call 0800 085 2219 or visit www.stopsmokingwales.com.

Top tips for giving up:

· Name the day when you are going to quit – and stick to it

· Call Stop Smoking Wales on 0800 085 2219 for details of free, local support

· Get your family and friends to help you by not smoking in front of you

· Keep your hands occupied. Try playing with a stress ball or computer games, or try a new hobby like knitting

· Plan some treats with the money you’ll be saving by not smoking

· Identify the triggers in your day linked to your cigarette, then change your routine around these times.

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