A PROJECT that aims to get Boscombe residents more active has been launched.

Free taster sessions were held at Churchill Gardens to promote BH Live’s scheme, which has received the financial backing of Sport England.

Youngsters were enjoying a game of football at the launch event, while other residents took part in walking touch rugby and table tennis, among other activities.

BH Live will be gathering feedback from residents about their favourite activities as part of a plan to deliver low-cost or free, community-based weekly sessions for up to 100 people who are currently inactive.

Regular participants will be encouraged to ‘upskill’ by supporting and recruiting newcomers, and, in turn, receive training opportunities and sports qualifications.

The project has also involved Bournemouth council, Live Well Dorset, Bournemouth University, and community groups. Sport England has awarded £5,750 of funding to the project.

Boscombe councillor Chris Wakefield said he hoped the community would “totally embrace” the opportunity to “improve their quality of life”.

“A lot of people here don’t have gardens and are supposed to be leading quite sedentary lives. And it costs money to join a club. This is a free opportunity to engage in communal activities.

“The launch has been great – I just love it when the Boscombe community comes together.”

A third of people on low incomes are inactive, meaning they do less than 30 minutes of exercise that gets them slightly out of breath each week.

Inactivity in people on a low income is twice that of people on a high income.

In addition to the physical health benefits, the project aims to address issues of social isolation.

Kate Rogers, health and wellbeing manager for BH Live, said: “We want to target local people and get their feedback on what activities they enjoy most.

“Friday’s launch has been all about taster sessions and getting an idea about what people like to do.

“Over the course of a year we’ll be gathering data and then looking to put on some activities based on the feedback.

“We would like this project to be a part of the Boscombe community.”