Take the plunge without splashing out
Keeping fit while raising charity cash ... Pat Stanley and Gill Castledine.
Stepping out in the Peak District
WALKERS will be enjoying a day out in the Peak District while raising money for the British Red Cross this summer.
The sponsored event will take place on Sunday, June 14.
Among the local walkers taking part will be Pat Stanley and Gill Castledine.
Pat said, “We enjoy walking and try to keep fit. What better way to do it than enjoying beautiful scenery and raising money for a worthwhile cause at the same time?”
All proceeds will go towards helping people in crisis both locally and overseas.
This annual event raised more than £6,000 last year, and organisers are hoping to exceed that this year.
For more information call Jo on 01629 593336 or you can sign up at
SWIMMERS in Ashbourne aged over 60 or 16 and under can take the plunge without splashing out.
From April 1, free swimming for these people will be available at Derbyshire Dales District Council’s pool in Ashbourne.
The initiative, which is supported by a Government grant, is aimed at further enhancing the Dales’ reputation as one of the healthiest, safest and cleanest places to live in the UK.
District council leader Councillor Lewis Rose said: “It is a priority for the council to increase the number of people taking part in leisure activities and to improve the quality of life and provide excellent services in the communities of the Derbyshire Dales.
“We are also acutely aware of the economic downturn and the impact it is having on people in the Dales. Free swimming is yet another initiative that makes the Dales even more attractive and hopefully will have a positive spin-off in terms of local trade and tourism.
“We expect attendances will increase at all our swimming pools as a result of this initiative and there may therefore be additional costs associated with cleaning and staffing, but we are positive and enthusiastic about the benefits.
“The Derbyshire Dales already boasts the highest percentage of physically-active adults in the county and is a leading district nationally. We will continue to strive to be among the very best councils in this respect.”
More details about free swimming are available at www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk or from Ashbourne Leisure Centre (01335 343712).
Patients will find it's good to talk
PEOPLE in Ashbourne suffering from anxiety, depression or stress are to get more help.
Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust (PCT) is set to invest almost £5 million in 'talking therapies'.
The PCT hopes the £4.7 million boost will help more than 15,000 patients cope with mild to moderate mental health problems - suffered by one in four people at some point in their lives.
The PCT says that with the economic downturn and financial pressures of the credit crunch, it is likely people are suffering more stress and anxiety than usual, with escalating debt or loss of employment a particular concern.
The extra NHS investment, over the next four years, will provide extra counsellors, self-help sessions and talking therapies such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.
It will also fund training for highly-qualified professional psychologists to help people manage problems with anxiety, depression and stress, and, in some cases, prevent them needing help from specialist psychological services.
The extended service will help people regain self-confidence, battle stress and, wherever possible, get back to leading a normal, everyday life, by returning to work or feeling confident enough to socialise.
The PCT already offers computerised cognitive behaviour therapies in Derbyshire, with a Beating The Blues programme available at 23 local surgeries and the premises of six voluntary groups. A Fear Fighter programme will also be made available at these locations from April.
Jenny Swatton, assistant director of mental health commissioning at Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust, said: “Anxiety, depression and stress can all play a part in damaging someone’s health and wellbeing.
“These are problems that can affect anyone, from teachers to businessmen, lollipop ladies to shop assistants. The talking therapies are there to help them assess their situation, talk things through and regain confidence and perspective.
“Depression, anxiety and stress can lead to further, more serious mental health issues, but also account for thousands of sick-days every year, with many taking long-term sick leave.
"In many cases, the first signs of stress and depression can be treated within six weeks, and sufferers can regain self-confidence and control in their lives, and get back into work."
Simply Hike offers camping equipment and outdoor clothing from leading brands such as Berghaus, Craghoppers, Mountain Equipment, Vango, Coleman and Suunto to name a few.
They have tents, rucksacks, walking boots, waterproofs, performance clothing and camping stoves.
Copyright Ashbourne News Online 2009
Copyright Ashbourne News Online 2009
