VILLAGERS have launched a new club which aims to help them live a healthier lifestyle while raising money for good causes at the same time.
Stainton Health and Wellbeing Club meets in the village hall each Wednesday tea time.
Members swap healthy eating tips, recipes and can take part in an optional weigh-in. There are also goodies to taste – last week, there was a healthy baked cheesecake to tuck into.
Debbie Williams, who helps run the club said the aim was simply to help people make sensible choices with their diet and get moving more.
“It came about through a few of us thinking we wanted to get healthier and fitter. We did a little trial before Christmas,” she said.
The group follows the NHS Choices 12 week plan, which any new members begin when they join the club, and also follows the advice of the NHS Change4Life information.
“We did not want to go with a particular diet but with the NHS advice on eating well, so that’s what we do,” added Ms Williams.
“We’ve got about 13 members. New members are welcome and the group is open to all, not just those who live in Stainton.
“It’s a community sort of thing, so it’s also bringing people together.”
For the energetic, a zumba class follows on from the weekly Wednesday meeting, while a new Couch to 5k scheme has been launched in the village, led by Judith Rodwell and Amanda Pettitt.
Members pay £2 to attend the weekly meetings and this money is split between the village hall and two good causes a month.
Most recently, cash has been raised for the Tyneside Kidney Patients Association and research into muscular dystrophy.
“The charities change every month and those we choose are relevant to members,” explained Ms Williams.
Anyone interested can simply head along on Wednesdays. The meetings start at 5.45pm.
Details are also on the Stainton and Streatlam Village Hall Facebook page.
