The Project aims to encourage healthy living in and across Derwentside and promote physical activities that are inclusive for all age and ability ranges, thus addressing the increasing rates of obesity and providing information, advice and guidance on healthy living.

Data from the 2006 Health Survey for England also demonstrates obesity prevalence at a regional level. In the North East, observed prevalence of obesity was the second highest in the country for both men and women at 27% and 28% respectively. Data from the 2006/07 headline results report demonstrated that the North East, alongside London and the West Midlands had a significantly higher prevalence of childhood obesity.

A grand percentage of our community dwell in rural areas that lack in sport and exercising facilities. The Y I AM project will reach this part of the community and engage their interest in a diverse range of new facilities on offer from their local YMCA.

Where there is an interest in regular participation, the Y I AM project will take exercise to these areas. There are two main barriers to the Third Sector; capacity and a reliance on short term funding. There are only two sport centres locally, however, membership is required. These are located in Consett and Stanley town centres and are surrounded by rural villages, which are inaccessible without transport provision.

Our project will remove two barriers to healthy living; namely lack of transport and economic barriers that stop people from acessing the services. It will bring health to the community and not wait for the community to come to us. The project will focus primarily upon young people who are most disadvantaged within Derwentside. These disadvantages include living within areas of high deprivation, living in rural areas, being excluded from or at risk of being excluded from mainstream education, offenders or those at risk of offending, those who require additional learning support and those who have missed out on healthy living opportunities.

Although the project aims to address the above issues, it will not discriminate against those young people who are deemed as being "normal" or "good kids", it is wholly inclusive. It is envisaged that the whole community will benefit from this project as they engage in diverse activities and improve their health. A new sense of community focus will develop as people come together and adopt a healthier way of life. We will offer our mobile activities to local organisations who are arranging community events or fairs.

For further information contact Lee on 01207 502680 or email lee.robson@consettymca.org