Scores of residents attended two free fun events in Ashfield and had a say on the type of new activities they would like introduced to help improve the health and general wellbeing of people in the area.

The events were run at Summerhouse Children’s Centre on the Leamington estate in Sutton-in-Ashfield and Abbey Hill Primary on Kirkby’s Coxmoor estate.

They gave people a chance to pick up tips and information about available support as well as taste healthy food and play games outdoors.

Organisations including Age UK, Ashfield Homes, Dental Hygiene, Everyone Active, Inspire Culture and Sure Start had stalls.

Those attending were invited to say what type of activities they would like to have available with options offered including arts and crafts, beginners’ sport sessions, chair-based exercise, healthy eating and cookery classes, and walking groups.

The free fun sessions were run in partnership by Ashfield District Council’s Locality and Community Empowerment Team, Self-Care Hub, Self Help Nottinghamshire and Ashfield Community Partnership.

They were the start of a new Help Your Health project, designed to get people more active and more involved in their local communities to improve mental and physical health and help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

Nottinghamshire County Council community safety officer Vicky Cropley said: “We were very pleased with how the events went. Most adults seemed to take some information away from at least one of the stalls, which was really good to see, and most were willing to complete the survey. The children attending loved the outdoor activities that were provided and everyone liked the free food.”

Further events will be organised and once the survey is complete the feedback will be collected and new, relevant activities will be introduced in each area. Volunteers from the areas who would be interested in helping to get activities going will also be encouraged.

There is still plenty of time for residents to take part in the survey. It is available on Ashfield District Council’s website until mid-November http://ow.ly/PEuR304ZUd1 Paper copies can be obtained by calling Dianne Holmes on 01623 457233.

Ashfield District Cllr Jim Aspinall, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, said: “It was wonderful to see so many people at the fun events and making their views on activities known. This partnership work is part of Ashfield District Council’s drive to help improve the quality of life across the District, and I encourage anyone who has not completed the survey yet to do so.”

Pictured are people at the event at Kirkby Abbey Hill Primary and Nursery.