People urged to join the virtual running community

Local people in Tameside and Glossop are being asked to join in the virtual running community and download the One You Couch to 5k app to take control of their health.

The One You Couch to 5K is a nine-week running programme - launched by Public Health England in partnership with BBC Get Inspired, Sport England and London Sport - that can encourage even complete beginners to become more active, by making it easy and fun. 

Starting by running for just a minute at a time, the programme sets realistic expectations and makes the challenge feel achievable from the start.

The app has also been updated to link to the latest advice on social distancing guidelines when exercising.

Around 40 per cent of all deaths in England are related to everyday habits and behaviours – such as eating too much unhealthy food, drinking too much alcohol, not being active enough or continuing to smoke. They also cost the NHS more than £11 billion every year.

Anyone can get involved by encouraging others in their neighbourhood to join the half a million people who have got started with the One You Couch to 5K app over the past eight weeks.

The call comes from Tameside and Glossop Clinical Commissioning Group. 

Councillor Eleanor Wills, Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Population Health, said: "During lockdown some people may have got in to unhealthy ways of living, putting on weight due to drinking and eating too much.  We have to remember the importance of keeping fit and active not only for our physical health but for our mental health too.

"We have seen over the past months how much we all care and support our NHS, so let’s do our bit to continue supporting them by taking more exercise, eating and drinking sensibly and quitting smoking to reduce the cost on the NHS and improve our lifestyle." 

People can also share their journey by using the hashtag #Couchto5k.