Now's the Time Launch

Shoppers at Morrisons in Thamesmead Town Centre were told that Now's the Time to get active last week (27 March) at a partnership launch event for a new fitness programme.

The Now's the Time community roadshow had been to different locations across the town in the last week, encouraging locals to find out more about the fun options available as part of the programme.

Bexley's Cabinet Member for Leisure and Community Safety, Cllr Don Massey said; "Now's the Time is all about getting out there and telling people what's available for them locally. Thamesmead has some fantastic venues on offer hosting a range of fun activities for all ages and fitness levels. Now's the Time is making those activities affordable and accessible for everyone to enjoy."

Cllr Peter Kotz, the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Cabinet Member for Cultural and Creative industries, said, “There’s been a very enthusiastic response to the roadshows already and it’s really good to see the message getting out about the free and low-cost activities available for Thamesmead residents. The initiative does seem to have struck a chord with local people, who can see the benefit of taking up a new activity to improve their health and well-being.”

Charlton Athletic Community Trust members outlined their role in Now’s the Time at the launch. The Trust will be providing vital support for the engagement sessions and roadshows as the project progresses. Their role will be to work closely with Thamesmead residents on finding the right activity in a venue that suits them.

The publicity around Now's the Time features three real Thamesmead residents; Solange Diboa, Sandy White and Ray Woodage have all pledged their support for Now's the Time.

Sandy who has lived in Thamesmead for 29 years and as a Brownie Leader has strong ties with the community said; "I've always been a keen cyclist but Now’s the Time has encouraged me to look at other ways of exercising. I can't wait to get going."

Mum of four Solange found out about Now's the Time through Trust Thamesmead's pre-school which her children attend and where she takes part in regular healthy eating workshops. Thanks to Now’s the Time she is taking up Zumba. She said; "This is a great scheme. It's sometimes difficult to fit exercise in when you are running around after children. But NTT has lots of different classes and times."

The remaining roadshows will take place on -

• Friday 4 April, 10:00am-5:00pm, Lidl, Eynsham Drive
• Saturday 5 April, 10:00am - 3:00pm, The Business Academy Bexley, Yarnton Way includes free taster sessions 10:30am-1:30pm; Boot Camp, Circuit, Zumba, Metafit and Back 2 Fitness

The project has been based on consultation with local residents, who provided feedback on the type of activities in which they would like to take part.

The project was made possible thanks to a grant of £240,000 from Sport England's Community Sport Activation Fund.

Now's the Time has been developed as a partnership between the London Borough of Bexley, Trust Thamesmead, the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Peabody and Gallions Housing Association.