As part of the All Together Active physical activity strategy for Cheshire and Merseyside, MSP have worked with local sports clubs to demonstrate the link between participation in sport and an improvement in physical and mental health.
One such initiative is Bowl for Health, which is a free 6-8 week programme of beginner lessons hosted by bowling clubs across Merseyside.
The idea for Bowl for Health was developed and successfully piloted in 2017 by Formby Village Sports Club (formerly known as Holy Trinity Bowling Club) with support from MSP, and has been rolled out by more clubs across Merseyside thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund and Liverpool City Council with support from our stakeholders.
A connection between bowling clubs and the local health system has been created by promoting through Primary Care Networks, social prescribing Link Workers, NHS Trusts and third sector organisations, who all recognise the impact that physical activity and sport can have on improving physical and mental health.
Patient outcomes
Each patient completes a pre-intervention and post-intervention evaluation form to monitor and demonstrate improvements in physical and mental health, with data from Bowl for Health participants showing:
Click here to view a full evaluation report from the 2018 Bowl for Health programme.
“I’ve only been a member of the club for a short time, but I’ve found the activity of bowling very invigorating – both from a physical and mental side, making lots of new friends and connections – so with this you get the best of both worlds!”” James
Project learning
For further information about this project please contact Danny Woodworth (Partnership Manager for Health) via d.woodworth@merseysidesport.com
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