Sun, sea and GOGA – Local community in Blackpool get active
From tennis to social care staff training, GOGA in Blackpool continues to break down barriers to sport and activity.
Blackpool is one of five locations across England that will continue to run life-changing activity sessions as part of Get Out Get Active (GOGA) thanks to funding from Sport England and London Marathon Foundation.
Across the region there have been many iterations of what GOGA means. At its heart the programme uses local expertise to engage the least active disabled and non-disabled people in their communities. This is set to continue thanks to renewed funding.
April Oldfield, Active Communities Development Office at Active Blackpool, said:
"We are filled with enthusiasm and a strong sense of purpose as we move forward as a GOGA locality. Over the next 6 to 8 months, we hope to cultivate an environment where every participant feels empowered and engaged, fostering not just physical activity but also lasting connections."
Some of the successful work in the north-west included an adult social care development day. Adult social care staff took part in activities that discussed health and wellbeing, communication, teamwork, and physical activity opportunities. It broke down barriers for all participants, including physiosm managers and social workers. It gave them the confidence to go and speak to residents about physical activity and the opportunities available in their area.
Since its inception in 2016 GOGA has reached more than 55,000 people, sharing the joy of being active. There’s no better example of this in action than through a collaboration between Jobs Friends and Houses, Empowerment, and GOGA that saw the delivery of a recovery tennis event inspired by Wimbledon.
The event promoted both physical activity and community engagement. Participants had been practicing in local green spaces following a GOGA challenge where they were gifted free tennis equipment. They visited parks and green spaces and built not just their skills but also a sense of camaraderie. The event came together supported by a range of organisations who support the recovery community and resulted in a great afternoon of fun and friendly tennis competition.
With communities in Blackpool set to enjoy the benefits of Get Out Get Active into 2025, April added:
"GOGA means more than just movement; it represents a commitment to inclusivity and well-being for all in the town. Together, we can create a vibrant, supportive space that inspires everyone to embrace an active lifestyle and thrive. We are thankful to Blackpool Coastal Housing for their continued support and many other partners who continue to share information about the programme."
