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The Southern Health and Social Care Trust has marked two decades of its Fit 4 U programme, with celebration events held in Newry and four other locations at the end of June. The occasion also recognised ten years of Fit 4 U 2, a related service for adults with a learning disability.
Events took place in Newry, Banbridge, Dungannon, Craigavon and Armagh, bringing together service users, carers, volunteers and staff to reflect on the programme's development and its impact throughout the Trust area. Guests shared personal stories, looked back through photographs charting the service's history, and were presented with commemorative medals. Makaton choirs, made up of service users from each of the groups throughout the Trust, led the celebrations.
Fit 4 U was originally established in 2006 to support adults with a physical disability. The programme expanded in 2016 with the launch of Fit 4 U 2, extending its reach to adults with a learning disability. It now delivers ten leisure centre sessions and two online sessions each week, supporting around 500 people annually through activities in both community and Trust facilities.
Rhonda Richardson, Fit 4 U Co-ordinator, has been involved with the programme since it began. She said: "I have been with Fit 4 U from the very beginning in 2006 and have seen it grow from a small Big Lottery-funded project into a Trust-wide service. I am very proud of the difference it makes and feel privileged to have supported people over many years to improve their health and wellbeing.
"Fit 4 U is also supported by volunteers who give their time each week to help deliver the programme. I pay tribute to everyone who has contributed over the years and I am very grateful to have worked alongside such kind and dedicated people."
Gerard Rocks, Assistant Director of Promoting Wellbeing, said the programme reflected the Trust's wider approach to community-based care. He said: "Fit 4 U is a powerful example of how we support people to live well and remain active within their communities. By providing accessible opportunities for physical activity, social connection and confidence-building, the service reflects our commitment to a Community First approach, helping people stay connected, independent and supported closer to home.
"It is inspiring to see the impact of the programme over the past 20 years, and we are committed to building on this so that more people can benefit in the future."
The programme has been nominated for the HSC Quality Awards, the Southern Trust Excellence Awards and the Our People Awards, and has been showcased at national and regional conferences as an example of good practice in inclusive physical activity.
