Healthy heart habits in Cardiff

Local groups like Fairbridge De Cymru in Cardiff understand the importance of giving young people opportunities they might otherwise not have.

So their project to fund a year’s programme of physical activity and educational healthy eating workshops for young people got our attention.

Anthony Metcalfe runs the project and is also a mentor for many of the participants.

I really enjoy coming and socialising with other people. It’s motivating and I can tell I’m getting fitter

“Young people need to look after their heart health too, especially the 13 – 25 year olds who come to Fairbridge seeking support and guidance to get their lives back on track.”

The best part about this project is that the young people get to choose which physical activity they want to do - from 5-a-side football, to basketball and competitive bleep tests.

Rod Platt is a Development Tutor and runs the sessions. He feels it’s been a real success.

“Sometimes the hardest part is getting the young people motivated, but once they’re out there in the fresh air joining in and enjoying the competitive banter, there’s no stopping them!”

Ginny Phipps, one of the Fairbridge’s regular visitors says she looks forward to coming every week.

“I really enjoy coming and socialising with other people who are in the same boat as me. It’s motivating and I can tell I’m getting fitter.”

There’s nothing like a good work-out to re-energise you, promote positive wellbeing, and of course get you active. And after a friendly 5-a-side, the team head back to the centre for some well earned lunch. Today’s menu is a healthy tuna pasta bake and fruit salad.

For more information on any of these projects, or on how you can help improve heart health in your local community, contact the Help a Heart Grant team on 0207 554 0396.